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BMC Unveils Draft Master Plan for Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s Eco-Sensitive Zone

Public feedback opens for 30 days, with conservation groups questioning its scope.

Overview

  • The plan covers the park’s eco-sensitive zone across Mumbai, Thane and Palghar, and citizens can file suggestions with BMC and neighboring civic bodies within the consultation window.
  • The draft maps current use in detail, citing 2,032 hectares of forest (34%), 33% developed area, roughly 9% water bodies and 7% agriculture, alongside tallies for commercial, industrial, slum and residential parcels.
  • Stated objectives focus on regulating land use and development, curbing polluting or harmful activities, promoting eco‑friendly livelihoods and ensuring compliance with environmental laws.
  • Prepared by BMC’s Development Plan department through an external agency under state directions, the document applies to Thane, Mira Bhayandar and Vasai Virar as well as Palghar district and will be read with DP 2034 maps.
  • Environmental groups criticize the draft as too permissive, alleging allowances for metro depots and large projects inside the zone and questioning BMC’s lead role, with some linking the timing to a Bombay High Court stay on encroacher rehabilitation.