A Majestic Return: Sanjay Gandhi National Park Resumes Tiger Safari After Extensive Renovations From Jan 17!

Sanjay Gandhi National Park Resumes Tiger Safari in 2024

Mumbai’s beloved Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) has triumphantly reopened its long-awaited tiger safari after a five-year hiatus for substantial renovations and upgrades. The park’s rejuvenated tiger safari, officially inaugurated by Maharashtra State Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, marks the beginning of a new chapter for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists.

Revamped Tiger Safari in Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP)

Sanjay Gandhi National Park Resumes Tiger Safari: The tiger safari, spanning over 20 hectares, had temporarily closed its gates due to a fallen chain-link fence, restricting access to just one hectare of the enclosure. With the enclosure now expanded, the park houses two male tigers and five female tigers, including a cub, in a space that closely mirrors their natural habitat. The redesign, costing approximately INR 5.5 crore, aims to enhance both animal comfort and visitor experience.

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Future Plans For SGNP: Lion And Leopard Safari

The reopening of the tiger safari is just the beginning, as SGNP has ambitious plans to introduce lion and leopard safaris in the coming months. Ongoing discussions with relevant authorities suggest that wildlife enthusiasts can soon enjoy a broader spectrum of safari experiences within the national park.

Eco-Friendly Transportation For Safari In SGNP

Sanjay Gandhi National Park Resumes Tiger Safari: Complementing the safari experience, Minister Mungantiwar unveiled six electric buses, generously donated by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation. Capable of accommodating 30 visitors each, these eco-friendly buses not only facilitate the tiger safari but also transport visitors to the Kanheri Caves, a prominent tourist attraction within SGNP.

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SGNP Under Threat: BMC’s Development Plans Jeopardize Mumbai’s Unique Biosphere

Sanjay Gandhi National Park Under Threat Due To Development Projects

While SGNP celebrates the revival of its tiger safari, the unique biosphere faces an unprecedented threat from various development projects initiated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The lush greenery and diverse wildlife of SGNP are at risk due to highways, link roads, and tunnels, raising concerns among environmentalists.

Shri Krishna Nagar Bridge Reconstruction Project

BMC’s proposal to divert a portion of SGNP’s forest land for the reconstruction of the Shri Krishna Nagar bridge has sparked controversy. Despite receiving in-principle approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, environmentalists contest the move, fearing habitat fragmentation and irreversible damage to the park’s ecosystem.

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Depletion Of Forest Land In Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP)

Environmental activists, including D Stalin of NGO Vanashakti and Debi Goenka of the Conservation Action Trust, express growing apprehension over the persistent depletion of forest land. They criticize the lack of commitment from authorities in preserving the vital ecosystems within SGNP and call for a reevaluation of priorities in wildlife conservation.

Goregaon-Mulund Tunnel Link Road And Borivali-Thane Twin Tunnel Project

Amidst various ongoing projects, including the Goregaon-Mulund Tunnel Link Road and the Borivali-Thane Twin Tunnel Project, environmentalists emphasize the need for sustainable development. They advocate for prioritizing public transport improvements, such as increasing the number and frequency of BEST buses, to address traffic issues without compromising precious green spaces.

Conclusion

As Mumbai balances the revival of its iconic tiger safari with the challenges posed by development projects, the fate of Sanjay Gandhi National Park rests on the responsible shoulders of forest authorities and policymakers. The delicate balance between urban expansion and wildlife conservation will ultimately determine the longevity of this vital green space.

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