Overview
- Forest Minister Ganesh Naik suspended demolitions and said a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will decide next steps.
- The action targeted 385 families identified as having taken Chandivali rehabilitation and later re‑occupied park land, with notices posted on January 17 for demolitions slated through January 28.
- Authorities closed Sanjay Gandhi National Park to visitors as hundreds rallied inside Navapada and other hamlets and protesters later gathered outside Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Thane residence before calling off the agitation after assurances.
- Police registered a case against about 25–30 people after forest officials reported stone‑pelting during a January 26 awareness drive that damaged a government vehicle.
- The government outlined rehabilitation assurances, proposed an independent committee to review settlements and options, and maintained the drive stems from longstanding Bombay High Court directions enforced via the HPC.