Mumbai to Relocate 18,000 SGNP Encroachers to Thane
In a move set to redefine Mumbai’s urban landscape and environmental planning, the state government has decided to rehabilitate approximately 18,000 slum households currently encroaching on forest land in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) to alternative sites in Thane district. The decision, taken during a high-level meeting at Mantralaya, aims to balance the urgent need for sustainable urban housing with the protection of Mumbai’s vital ecological zones.
The rehabilitation process has been marred by legal and logistical challenges over the years. A 1997 Bombay High Court order had mandated the relocation of around 33,000 slum dwellers, provided their names featured in electoral rolls before January 1, 1995. The government had initially proposed relocating these residents to grazing land in Kalyan, but opposition from both slum dwellers and local residents stalled the plan. Later, in 2002, 85 acres in Chandivali were earmarked for rehabilitation, leading to the relocation of around 12,000 households in the first phase. However, the second phase, intended for an additional 11,000 families, never materialised, leaving thousands of residents in legal limbo for over two decades.
The recent decision comes in response to yet another directive by the Bombay High Court on January 15, instructing the state government to identify alternative sites and complete the rehabilitation process. While Palghar was considered as a potential site, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ruled it out due to its considerable distance from Mumbai, favouring land parcels in Thane district instead. The Thane location ensures proximity to employment opportunities, public transportation, and essential infrastructure, making it a more viable option for the affected residents.Despite this directive, the city and suburban collectors have expressed their inability to provide land within Mumbai’s municipal limits, citing the severe scarcity of vacant land. Consequently, the government is now assessing land parcels in Murbad and Bhayander for rehabilitation. The plan aligns with the broader ‘Housing for All’ initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), which aims to provide permanent housing to economically weaker sections. For those ineligible for free housing, the government is encouraging rental housing schemes that offer the possibility of ownership after a period of 10 years.
As part of the renewed rehabilitation process, SGNP officials have issued fresh notices to approximately 7,000 slum dwellers from Dahisar to Malad, instructing them to furnish documents such as election ID cards, electricity bills, and payment receipts confirming the Rs 7,000 relocation fee mandated under the original court order. This measure is intended to streamline the verification process and ensure that only eligible residents benefit from the rehabilitation scheme.
The move to rehabilitate slum dwellers is critical not only from a humanitarian perspective but also from an environmental standpoint. The unchecked expansion of informal settlements within SGNP has had a detrimental impact on the park’s biodiversity, placing immense pressure on one of Mumbai’s last remaining green lungs. Encroachments have led to deforestation, habitat destruction, and increased human-wildlife conflict, threatening the ecological integrity of the national park. By relocating these settlements, the government aims to curb further environmental degradation while providing a structured and dignified resettlement solution for affected families.
However, the success of the rehabilitation programme hinges on the timely identification of land, the resolution of bureaucratic hurdles, and the effective execution of relocation plans. The past delays and legal battles serve as a reminder that political will and administrative efficiency are crucial in delivering tangible results. For Mumbai, a city grappling with rapid urbanisation, pollution, and housing shortages, striking a balance between sustainable development and ecological conservation remains an ongoing challenge. The rehabilitation of SGNP’s encroachers is not just about urban planning but also about shaping a city that is inclusive, environmentally resilient, and equitable for all its residents.
