A proposal has been sent to the Government of Maharashtra seeking to rename Sanjay Gandhi National Park after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The proposal also includes plans to establish a world-class university within the national park area.
Reports state that the proposal was forwarded by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) to the state’s Additional Chief Secretary (Forest). While the renaming issue has been termed a policy decision to be taken by the government, forest officials have reportedly opposed the idea of constructing a university inside the protected forest zone.
Officials have warned that large-scale construction, transport facilities, increased public movement, and institutional development within the park could negatively impact wildlife habitats and disturb the ecological balance of one of Mumbai’s key green spaces. They also noted that such activities may violate provisions under the Wildlife Protection Act and Forest Conservation laws.
The proposal has triggered public discussion, with several citizens raising concerns about environmental protection as well as the increasing trend of renaming public landmarks after political figures.
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