January 15, 2026: The upcoming Tata Mumbai Marathon will double as an environmental awareness campaign, with over 350 citizens, runners, and green activists set to highlight concerns over proposed construction relaxations around Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). Participants plan to draw public attention to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s draft eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) masterplan, which environmental groups fear could dilute protections around one of Mumbai’s most critical green lungs.
The collective action is being coordinated by the Muse Foundation and includes runners across all race categories — from the 42-km full marathon and half marathon to the 5-km dream run. In addition, non-running supporters will form cheering squads stationed at various points along the marathon route from as early as 5 am. These groups will hold placards and engage spectators in discussions about the environmental risks associated with the draft ESZ proposals.
Explaining the intent behind the initiative, Nishant Bangera, founder of Muse Foundation, said, “The idea is to use a public platform like the marathon to educate people about what is at stake. This is one of the biggest environmental catastrophes Mumbai could face if unchecked development is allowed around SGNP.” He added, “People are largely unaware of the rough plan and the rights citizens have to question it. We want them to speak up.”
Interest in the campaign has grown quickly. A registration form circulated two weeks ago has already attracted more than 350 participants, including around 300 runners and several volunteers forming cheering squads.
Among those participating is Kranti Salvi, a Guinness World Record holder for running the fastest marathon in a sari, a Welsh dress, and a Japanese kimono. Salvi, known for combining athletic pursuits with social causes, has been vocal on environmental issues and is also organising a preparatory training run ahead of the marathon.
Environmental activists from multiple campaigns will join the effort, marking one of the first coordinated green mobilisations at the Mumbai Marathon. Outreach activities are also planned across several neighbourhoods, particularly on the day before the race, to widen public engagement. Activists argue that despite strong opposition, public hearings on the draft plan have failed to adequately address citizen concerns.
Gita Bhatia, an environmental activist from Malabar Hill, said, “I have been fighting deforestation for years. When we heard about the Save SGNP movement and the master plan, we wanted to be part of every effort to protect it. I have run the marathon before, and this year we’ll be in the cheering squad with posters, talking to citizens. Clean air and public health are directly linked. This is extremely important to us.”
Source: Hindustan Times
