Environmental groups and residents staged a protest near Tikuji-ni-Wadi in Thane on Saturday, demanding that forest land associated with Sanjay Gandhi National Park remain under the Forest Department and that any transfer of development rights (TDR) be suspended until a final court decision.
The protest was held near the main entrance to Tikuji-ni-Wadi at around 7.30 am under the ‘Save Sanjay Gandhi National Park’ campaign. Hari Om Trekkers, environmental activists and citizens participated in the demonstration, according to a report by Loksatta – Thane.
The protesters opposed a proposal to reserve the forest land in the Maanpada-Tikuji-ni-Wadi area as a biodiversity park. They demanded that the land should not be given a biodiversity-park reservation and should remain under the control of the Forest Department.
The campaigners also called for a stay on TDR linked to the forest land until the court delivers its final ruling. They demanded that no construction or other work be allowed on the site during the legal proceedings.
The protest focused on protecting the forest area, biodiversity and wildlife habitat around Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Participants also opposed what they described as the possibility of encroachment, uncontrolled construction and commercial use of the forest land.
The demonstration was led by Swapnil Mahindrakar and Vijay Ranjane. Protesters raised slogans including ‘Save the forest, save Thane’s breath’ and ‘Save the national park, protect the natural heritage’ while calling for the conservation of the area.
The reported demands place the management of the land, the proposed biodiversity-park reservation and the use of TDR at the centre of the dispute. The protesters’ immediate demand is that development activity remain suspended until the court’s final decision.
