While the Supreme Court has asked the Forest Department to take action against the illegal ashram at Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Vasai as it has severely violated norms, its officials have started preparing a strategy for the drive. Sources from the department told mid-day that carrying out demolition will not be an easy task, given the influence the ashram has. It is also feared that if the action is initiated, supporters of the ashram might burn down the forest.

Politicians 'visit' ashram

FD sources told mid-day that devotees of the Balyogi Sadanand Maharaj Ashram include powerful people from the Vasai-Virar belt and Mumbai metropolitan region. The maharaj has thousands of followers in the adjoining villages close to Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and heavyweight politicians, too, visit ashram.