December 12, 2025: Large-scale construction activity near the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) has triggered alarm among citizens and environmentalists, who say the Ecologically Sensitive Zone (ESZ) meant to protect the buffer around Mumbai’s most vital green lung is being steadily eroded. In Chena village, off Ghodbunder Road in Thane district, a 10-acre forested tract appears to be undergoing rapid alteration, according to activists, for what they allege is a private resort, commercial structures, and a residential complex.
Satellite images show extensive clearing and land modification. During a site visit on Thursday, HT found the area fully barricaded, with heavy construction equipment at work. A building has already come up, debris lies scattered across the forested patches, and a newly laid concrete road stretches deep into the green zone. Locals said the activity began two months ago, with several trees hacked, and pointed to a neighbouring plot once farmed by tribal communities that has also been cleared for development.
Workers at the site said, “We are building a residential complex here. Four buildings will accommodate tribal communities, who will be relocated from the Chena Riverfront Project site. Other construction work is also underway. This land is private, and we have the permissions required.”
Environmental organisations dispute this and have submitted complaints to the Thane district collector, Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation, the forest department, and the ESZ monitoring committee. Stalin Dayanand of Vanashakti said the land—earlier marked as a reserve forest—was declassified after litigation but remains a private forest parcel where quarrying and construction violate ESZ norms.
Activists argue permissions were granted without a zonal master plan or due public process and are demanding an immediate halt to excavation, cancellation of approvals, and restoration of the land. While ESZ officials declined to comment, MBMC has not responded to inquiries.
Source: Hindustan Times
