Sanjay Gandhi National Park Encroachment: SGNP Director Tells Bombay HC Of Major Hurdles In Rehabilitation, Demolition Efforts

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has informed the Bombay High Court the extensive challenges faced in rehabilitating forest encroachers and removing commercial encroachments from the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), which is a protected land.

An affidavit was filed by the director of SGNP Anita Patil in response to a PIL by NGO Conservation Action Trust, that sought removal of encroachment from SGNP. The affidavit outlined the efforts taken toward its implementation of the assurance given to the court early this year regarding rehabilitating the eligible encroachers from the SGNP.

Ten alternate land parcels were proposed for rehabilitating eligible encroachers, but an inspection by the Thane collector and MHADA found serious viability issues with all the sites.

These included lack of basic infrastructure like roads, water supply, and sewage systems, rocky and hilly terrain, and legal or environmental reservations such as no development zone (NDZ) and forest classifications.

Some locations, including Moghar, Bursunge, and Khardi, were deemed highly unsuitable due to inaccessibility, encroachments, flood risk, or terrain challenges.

The state government has since proposed modifying Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) to allow rehabilitation construction in NDZ areas near SGNP. A public notice seeking suggestions and objections has been issued.

A survey of eligible encroachers — based on a 2011 cut-off and a 1995 court order — was initiated in April 2025. However, due to resistance from locals and lack of cooperation, the process was extended till July.

The affidavit also recounts failed attempts to demolish commercial structures built illegally within SGNP. Although demolitions were initially planned in early May, they were repeatedly postponed due to police unavailability, bad weather, and ultimately, obstruction by large crowds reportedly led by local political leaders.

Demolition squads faced aggressive resistance at Dahisar, Malad, and Thane, forcing them to abandon operations despite full logistical preparedness. Forest officials documented the confrontations and submitted photographic and video evidence to the court.

The affidavit stresses that selective demolition of commercial-use structures is impractical given their intermingling with residential encroachments. It seeks a comprehensive state policy for phased rehabilitation.

Additionally, the state has sanctioned Rs221 crore for constructing a boundary wall around SGNP, with Rs 74.28 crore already disbursed. Tenders for 17 stretches have been floated, and bid evaluations are underway, the affidavit added.