August 6, 2025: The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi has approved the inclusion of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) as a party in an ongoing case concerning alleged environmental threats to Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) from large-scale infrastructure projects.
The proceedings originated from a report published by The Free Press Journal on January 17,2024, titled “Sanjay Gandhi National Park Faces Threat As BMC Plans to Divert Forest Land For Bridge Reconstruction”. Acting on its own motion, the Tribunal began examining the ecological implications of construction activity within or adjacent to SGNP.
During the latest hearing, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) stated that while compliance documents had been submitted, certain technical issues had arisen and would be rectified within a week. The BMC further clarified that the Borivali-Thane twin tunnel project, which passes beneath SGNP, is being executed by MMRDA. The civic body requested that MMRDA be impleaded as the principal implementing agency.
The Tribunal accepted the request, ordering that MMRDA’s CEO be added as a respondent and directed notices to be issued. The next hearing is scheduled for September 24, 2025.
BMC has proposed diverting around 7,836 sq. ft. of SGNP forest land for the reconstruction and widening of the Shri Krishna Nagar Bridge in Borivali East, which partially collapsed in 2021. The Ministry of Environment granted in-principle approval for this on 8 August 2023 under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Environmentalists have raised strong objections, warning that increasing infrastructure pressure on SGNP – Mumbai’s critical green lung – could severely disrupt biodiversity and wildlife corridors, particularly with the 10-kilometre twin tunnel project beneath sensitive zones such as Tulsi Lake.
Source: The Free Press Journal
