SGNP to reopen from October 15 for 2 hours in the morning for walkers

Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) is one of the most popular getaways for the localities. However, the park was closed for the public due to the coronavirus outbreak, and in a recently taken decision, the government and concerned body has stated that private vehicles will be banned from entering the SGNP and the same will be implemented once the park is reopened for the public, in full capacity. As an alternative, battery-operated vehicles will be running in the park from January 2021.

As per reports, the decision was taken after officials observed an increasing number of animal deaths in the park. It is said that the animals in many animals SGNP have died after being hit or crushed by a vehicle, due to lack of speed control. Further, the revised decision will help officials solve pollution-related problems in the park. 

Over the last few years, the team has been getting suggestions and demands to ban private vehicles in the park, and after thorough consideration, the same has been implemented and will be put to effect soon. Officials have stated that the visitors can take advantage of the park bus, BEST bus, other transport services available currently. A total of 15 buses will run in the park from January 2021, and the same will be battery-powered, to keep the environment safe. These buses will be available to the citizens travelling up to Kanheri Caves, and the frequency would be one bus every 15 minutes.

As per reports and data, private vehicles heading towards Kanheri caves have caused traffic snarls inside the national park, especially on weekends. The pattern has been observed several times before the lockdown, and it is said that the park has more than 100 private vehicles every day, and over 1.2 million visitors each year. Official data reveals that the park generates an income of over INR 5 million only with entry charges.

Besides this, the park officials are also considering a revision in the timings allowed for walkers at SGNP, and as per reports, the park may reopen from October 15, 2020, from 5.30 am and 7.30 am, where one will be allowed to walk only on the trail marked by the officials inside the premises.

Follow guidelines will have to be followed at SGNP and the parking facilities:

• Citizens should park their private vehicles in the private parking lot of the park.
• The parking lot will be available for 250 vehicles.
• In the initial phase, citizens will be able to walk to Tumni Pada from 5.30 am to 7.30 am.
• Two thousand citizens per day will be admitted to the park for a morning walk.
• It is also proposed to keep the park completely closed every Monday.