In a city where fresh air and green open spaces
are rapidly being obliterated by clouds of pollution
and jungles of concrete, you will be delighted
to find that there still exists an expanse of
green that is truly precious.
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park, or as commonly
known, the Borivili National Park. A miraculously
preserved natural oasis in the heart of an urban
sprawl, this park is very much within the city
limits, yet far removed from its crowds and clamour.
A protected area of almost 9000 hectares, the
park is fringed by a flourishing population of
more than 12 million people. It is hard to believe
but true, that within an hour's drive can transport
you from life in the fast lane to a serene and
tranquil haven that spreads out a green carpet
welcome.And a blanket of clouds and mist in the
enchanting monsoon months. Beckoning you to enter
a whole new world of verdant wilderness abounding
in myriad life forms.
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is an outdoor
museum that preserves and nurtures the varied
flora and fauna of the area. This rich and diverse
forest is home to more than 1000 species of plants,
40 species of mammals, 251 species of birds -
migratory, and and water birds, 38 species of
reptiles, 9 species of amphibians besides a large
variety of fish, insects and other life forms.
The park is one of the few, perhaps even the
only one of its kind, that is surrounded by a
metropolis and sustaining a sizeable population
of big cat-like Panthers. Panthers are, in fact,
the largest predators that roam this forest and
can easily be spotted after dark, and in the hot
summer months even in the afternoons as they emerge
for a drink of water. Several other animals like
Sambar (the largest deer in India), Spotted Deer,
Chowsingha (4 horned antelope), Wild Boar, Mongoose,
Civet Cat, Jungle Cat, Langurs (leaf monkeys)
Macques and Peacocks may also be often encountered.
Bird and insect life (especially several kinds
of butterflies) thrives within the park, making
it a naturalists paradise. Rocks and hills near
the Kanheri Caves - a 1000 year old marvel of
archeology in the heartof the park - also provide
ideal spots for rock climbers and nature lovers.
The last resort
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is situated between
the Eastern and Western Express Highways and can
be accessed from Thane, Mulund, Borivili and other
places, though its headquarters are on the Borivili
side. Most of the park is, however, unfenced and
unprotected - thus falling easy prey to encroachers
and land grabbers.
Till the not very distant past, the park was
the proud home ground for a wide range of flora
and fauna. But nowadays, it has gradually begun
to become denuded and barren from all sides, due
in large measure to the greed of land grabbers,
unauthorized wood cutters, poachers and enemies
of our natural resources and national wealth.
The revival process is slow and adversely affected
by the lack of motivation and inadequacy of resources
on the part of the official machinery on the one
hand, and the ignorance, indifference and basic
inertia of the people on the other.
The fact remains, that if not saved from destructive
forces in time, the park will be lost forever.
And with it, its various inhabitants will not
only be left without shelter, but will also face
the risk of extinction. The Sanjay Gandhi National
Park is the city's last surviving sanctuary of
hope. We cannot afford to let
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