Environmentalists and citizen groups have strongly opposed a proposal linked to the renaming of Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the construction of a university campus within or near the eco-sensitive region, warning that the move could pose a serious threat to Mumbai’s ecological balance.
The controversy surfaced after discussions emerged regarding changes involving the Sanjay Gandhi National Park area, including proposals connected to educational infrastructure development. Environmental activists have objected to any construction activity within the protected forest zone, arguing that the national park serves as one of Mumbai’s most critical green lungs and biodiversity reserves.
Activists stated that the park is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including leopards, deer species, birds and several ecologically sensitive habitats. They warned that any large-scale infrastructure development could disturb wildlife corridors, increase human interference and further strain the fragile ecosystem.
Environmental groups have also raised concerns over the possibility of reducing or altering the identity of the protected forest area through renaming proposals, claiming that such moves should involve wider public consultation and environmental scrutiny.
According to conservationists, Sanjay Gandhi National Park plays a crucial role in maintaining air quality, groundwater recharge and climate stability for Mumbai and surrounding regions. They argued that preserving the park in its present form is essential amid increasing urbanisation and shrinking green cover in the metropolitan region.
The issue has triggered debate among environmental experts, citizens and political groups, with activists demanding complete transparency regarding any future plans affecting the national park area.
Officials, however, have maintained that discussions regarding development projects are still at a preliminary stage and that all decisions would follow legal and environmental procedures.
Environmental organisations are expected to intensify their opposition if any formal proposal involving construction activity inside the protected zone moves forward.
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