Forest department turns down request to allow religious rituals at protected national park
Devotees perform Chhath Puja in the artificial pond created by the BMC outside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park Eco-Sensitive Zone. PICS/NIMESH DAVE
Despite requests from local political leaders to allow Chhath Puja celebrations in the river within Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), senior sources in the forest department have made it clear that no religious rituals will be permitted within the park limits. SGNP, which is a vital ecological zone, is home to diverse flora and fauna, and the authorities are committed to preserving its fragile ecosystem. Performing any activities that could harm its sensitive environment, including religious ceremonies, goes against the park’s conservation objectives.
Authorities have emphasised that the protection of the park’s biodiversity and natural resources remains a top priority, and they will continue to uphold these restrictions for the greater environmental good.
Over a week ago, an event was held at SGNP to inaugurate electric buggies, attended by State Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, senior officials, and local public representatives. During the programme, one of the representatives requested the forest department to permit the celebration of Chhath Puja inside the park, citing the sentiments and religious beliefs of the devotees. But once this news spread, nature and wildlife lovers strongly asserted that religious events shouldn’t be allowed as it’s a national park.
Sources from the forest department told mid-day that for the past two years, the BMC has made arrangements for Ganpati visarjan and Chhath Puja in the parking area near the main gate of SGNP. The BMC also invited tenders for providing an artificial pond, a waterproof mandap, lighting, seating arrangements, etc., for this year’s Chhath Puja in the parking area and another location in Beat No. 12, Borivli East (in R-Central Ward).
In 2022, the Bombay High Court had directed forest department officials to ensure that no immersion of Ganpati idols takes place inside the Dahisar river in SGNP. It may be noted that immersion of idols is also not allowed in the natural water bodies in Aarey Milk Colony, which falls in the Eco-Sensitive Zone of SGNP. Earlier this year, a Kanwar Yatra had allegedly taken place inside SGNP, where some devotees had taken a dip in the Dahisar river, and this too faced criticism from nature and wildlife lovers.
Environmentalist Stalin D, from NGO Vanashakti, said, “The artificial tank doesn’t have to be anywhere inside the national park. It can be kept anywhere else at a convenient location. Today, it is Chhath Puja; tomorrow, all kinds of festivities and rituals will be the norm inside the park. All communities will start gathering there for religious functions. SGNP is a protected wildlife area, which should not become a pilgrimage or religious centre. We have already put the officials on legal notice. Thankfully, the officials have been firm in refusing permissions, and that will help in protecting the park.”
The waterfront in SGNP where Chhath Puja used to take place earlier. PIC/NIMESH DAVE
Environmentalist Rohit Joshi said, “SGNP is vital to Mumbai’s environment, providing essential services like air purification, climate regulation, and water supply that sustain millions of people. Given its ecological sensitivity and protected status, religious activities like sarvapitei pind dan, Ganesh idol immersion, Chhath Puja shouldn’t be allowed in SGNP until the government publishes a detailed, publicly accessible scientific plan for post-processing all ritual-related waste. Protecting this green lung from pollution and disturbance is not just a legal mandate but an environmental imperative to safeguard Mumbai’s health and biodiversity.”
About Chhath Puja
This year, Chhath Puja is taking place from October 25 to October 28, when devotees fast and pray to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. The devotees usually arrive in large numbers at riverfronts and in Mumbai, along the beaches, to pray to the rising sun.
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