The Bombay High Court has taken a decisive step towards safeguarding Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) by constituting a high-powered committee to oversee the removal of encroachers and ensure rehabilitation of eligible residents. The move addresses a long-standing challenge that has persisted for over two decades despite repeated government assurances.
The bench, comprising the Chief Justice and a sitting justice, underscored the necessity of a structured mechanism to resolve the quarter-century-old issue. The decision followed a contempt petition filed by a leading environmental NGO highlighting the non-compliance of a 1997 High Court directive aimed at preserving the protected forest area. Officials informed the court that more than 11,000 encroachers had been rehabilitated out of an earlier identified 13,000. However, the bench stressed that partial action cannot excuse non-compliance and emphasised the urgent need to complete the process. While the government proposed a 90-acre plot at Marol-Maroshi in the western suburbs for rehabilitation, environmental advocates opposed the plan, citing its location within a no-development zone (NDZ) and its proximity to ecologically sensitive areas such as Aarey Colony.
To ensure impartiality and effective execution, the panel will be led by a retired Chief Justice and include former senior administrative and police officials, alongside the chief conservator of forests. The court directed the committee to establish clear terms of reference, a definitive time frame, and a transparent process to hear intervenors, including residents seeking rehabilitation. Crucially, the bench clarified that encroachers must vacate the park, and any delay in implementing the recommendations would prompt enforcement actions, including lifting of interim stays. The NGO highlighted ongoing violations, including illegal constructions and cement units operating alongside the park, stressing that continued inaction undermines conservation efforts. The court acknowledged the government’s budget allocation of Rs 200 crore for rehabilitation but noted that implementation remains pending.
Experts suggest that the formation of this committee represents a critical junction for urban forest conservation in India, balancing ecological protection with humane rehabilitation. By involving retired judiciary and senior officials, the court aims to mitigate bureaucratic delays and ensure adherence to both environmental law and social justice. The panel is expected to submit a comprehensive report on encroachment removal and rehabilitation, establishing a precedent for similar conservation challenges nationwide. As Mumbai continues to grapple with rapid urbanisation, safeguarding SGNP is pivotal for maintaining ecological balance and public green spaces in one of India’s most densely populated regions.
Bombay HC Forms Panel To Remove Encroachers From Sanjay Gandhi National Park
