Activists Flag Unauthorised Religious Events In Mumbai's SGNP To Committee

Environmental activists have approached the High Power Committee of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Mumbai, alleging that unauthorised religious events held inside the protected forest violated environmental laws and Bombay High Court directions.

The complaint was lodged on September 2 by Rohit Joshi, president and convenor of the Yeoor Environmental Society. The action followed reports regarding religious events organised within the national park grounds during the final week of August.

According to Joshi, a Kavad Yatra was conducted through a river located inside SGNP on August 24. This was followed by another ritual held inside the protected forest on August 28.

Environmentalists stated that each of the events saw more than 100 people participating. The activists cited photographs and videos as evidence of the gatherings and river use within the park boundary.

Joshi also alleged that local politicians orchestrated the events. The complaint to the park's High Power Committee argues that holding such non-forestry activities breaches environmental protection legislation and specific court directives governing SGNP.