Viral videos of crowds bathing spark outrage from environmentalists, who accuse authorities of flouting wildlife laws and court orders; Immediate cessation of all religious and cultural events involving crowds, music, loudspeakers, or river use inside SGNP
Environmentalists have written to the Maharashtra Forest Department, questioning how crowds were allowed in on a Monday, when the park is closed to tourists. File pic/Satej Shinde
Following viral videos showing large groups entering Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and taking a dip in the river, allegedly disturbing its flora and fauna, two environmentalists have written to the Maharashtra Forest Department, questioning how crowds were allowed in on a Monday, when the park is closed to tourists.
Environmentalist Stalin D from NGO Vanashakti has addressed his letter to the Maharashtra Forest Department, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Director of SGNP, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife West), and the Principal Secretary of the department. Environmentalist Rohit Joshi and the Yeoor Environmental Society have also written to SGNP authorities over the same issue.
In his letter, Stalin expressed “disappointment and anguish” over what he described as a rising trend of human incursions into SGNP over the past month. He alleged that mobs had invaded the park, creating a nuisance and disturbing wildlife, and shared videos and photographs of the gatherings, calling them “gross violations” of park regulations.
“The only religious gathering permitted inside SGNP is the annual Maha Shivratri festival,” Stalin stated. “Yet, in the past month alone, two large noisy gatherings were allowed, or at least took place, inside the park. Even more shocking is that the park was opened on a Monday, its weekly holiday, to allow crowds in.
On July 28, a Monday, and again on August 9, large groups were seen inside the park. The irony is that tribals planting fruit trees in Aarey forest face legal notices, while noisy mob gatherings in SGNP are encouraged.”
Stalin further alleged that trekkers in the park are stopped and threatened if they go to the Dahisar riverside, even just to wash their feet or drink water, while mobs are allowed to bathe and frolic in the river.
“Is there any rule of law inside SGNP?” he asked. “Is this free-hand behaviour extended to all religious groups? If so, perhaps all picnickers should be allowed in to enjoy a rare river dip. It’s clear that previous efforts by citizens and NGOs to stop such incursions are being undone.”
He urged authorities to take “stern, visible, and credible” action to protect SGNP’s ecological integrity, demanding details of permissions granted for such events, and records of any action taken against illegal intrusions.
Environmental Society
In a separate letter, the Yeoor Environmental Society, signed by President and Convenor Rohit Joshi, raised similar concerns. Addressed to the SGNP Director, top forest officials, the Maharashtra Environment Secretary, Mumbai Police Commissioner, and even the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, the letter accuses authorities of tolerating repeated non-forestry, religious, and cultural gatherings inside SGNP.
The group cited video evidence showing crowds bathing in park rivers, disturbing wildlife, and damaging sensitive habitats. They also warned that proposals for Ganesh idol immersion inside SGNP are circulating, despite court orders prohibiting such activities due to ecological harm and safety risks, including the presence of crocodiles.
Violations
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which bans non-forest activities in national parks. A Bombay High Court order in PIL (L) No. 28846 of 2022, which prohibits idol immersion and other non-forest gatherings in SGNP. CPCB guidelines and orders from the Supreme Court/National Green Tribunal
Society’s demands
Immediate cessation of all religious and cultural events involving crowds, music, loudspeakers, or river use inside SGNP. A strict ban on Ganesh idol immersion in park rivers, with only artificial ponds outside park boundaries to be used. Prosecution of organisers and officials who permit or fail to prevent such activities.
Joshi warned that if violations continue, the society will initiate contempt proceedings against authorities for “wilful disobedience” of judicial orders. He requested an urgent written response within two days, detailing measures taken to prevent further breaches.
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