Protesters say 'dangerous plan' threatens to open the Eco-Sensitive Zone for real estate and commercial developmentMore than 30,000 people have signed an online petition opposing what they call is a "dangerous plan" that threatens to open Sanjay Gandhi National Park's Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) for real estate and commercial development.
The signature campaign came as the deadline for public objections to the Draft Zonal Master Plan (DZMP) ended on Friday.
The ESZ serves as a crucial protective buffer around SGNP, safeguarding Mumbai's biodiversity. It is home to leopards, deer and more than 250 bird species. Activists, environmentalists and residents warn that the draft plan undermines this protection by allowing large-scale "development" in the green zone.
"The ESZ was meant to act as a shield, not a shortcut for builders," an activist associated with the campaign said. "The plan is flawed and unscientific; it will irreversibly damage critical habitats and displace tribal communities who have lived here for centuries."
Local residents and tribal leaders have expressed anger at the lack of consultation. "Our padas have existed here for generations - the forest is our home and livelihood. But the plan treats us like encroachers," a tribal representative from Aarey said.
Environmentalists have also criticised the draft for failing to align with conservation goals, such as restoring degraded forest patches or regulating pollution from nearby industries.
Petition gains ground
The SaveSGNP petition calls on the state government and the BMC to withdraw the draft plan and redraft it through transparent, scientific and community-led processes.
Following citizens' protests, the BMC had informally extended the objection deadline from October 9 to October 17, after activists pointed out that the official advertisement inviting objections was published late.
Spread over 103 square kilometre, SGNP remains one of Asia's most unique urban forests. Experts warn that compromising its buffer zone will worsen flooding, raise temperatures and threaten Mumbai's already fragile ecological balance.
"This is not just about leopards or trees, it's about Mumbai's survival," a conservationist said. "Once the buffer is gone, there's no going back."