Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed concerned agencies to find a lasting solution for rehabilitating encroachers in Borivali’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). At a meeting in Vidhan Bhavan, he directed officials to identify nearby lands and develop a formal rehabilitation plan. Fadnavis emphasized fixing the park’s boundaries within a set timeframe and prioritizing the relocation of citizens living on these boundaries.
He also stressed the provision of basic civic amenities to encroachers on humanitarian grounds until their rehabilitation is completed. For those on the Mulund and Thane sides of the park, officials were tasked with locating nearby sites for their resettlement. The Housing Department was instructed to assess available land options and present a rehabilitation plan within one month, focusing on simple and quick execution methods.
The Chief Minister highlighted the need to rehabilitate approximately 5,000 citizens residing on the park’s boundaries and in ‘core areas’ promptly using nearby land, following all legal regulations. He emphasized adherence to High Court directives for a permanent resolution. Fadnavis urged Thane, Mira-Bhayandar, and Mumbai Municipal Corporations, along with the Housing and Forest Departments, to collaborate and prevent future encroachments around the park.
He emphasized fair treatment for all individuals throughout the process and called for verification of the exact number of encroachers. The Sanjay Gandhi National Park, as per government information, is the largest national park in the world situated within a metropolitan city. It plays a crucial role in Mumbai’s flood control system and serves as the catchment area for several lakes and rivers. The park is a popular destination for both local and international tourists, known for its nature trails and wildlife sightings.
