The move aims to ensure a time-bound and structured process for addressing long-pending encroachments within the ecologically sensitive forest area.

Background: Court-Driven Action

The decision follows multiple court orders, including:

• A 1997 directive mandating rehabilitation of encroachers settled before January 1, 1995
• Recent hearings in public interest litigations and contempt petitions, where the High Court stressed urgent action

In its latest direction dated January 14, 2025, the court instructed the state to:

• Identify eligible encroachers for rehabilitation
• Initiate eviction of ineligible encroachments
• Complete the process within a defined timeline

Two Separate Committees for Mumbai & Thane

To streamline implementation, the government has formed two independent committees:

1. Mumbai Suburban SGNP Committee

• Deputy Director (South), SGNP – Chairperson
• Deputy Collector (Encroachment Removal) – Member
• Representative from Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) – Member
• Assistant Conservator of Forest – Member Secretary

2. Thane SGNP Committee

• Deputy Director (North), SGNP – Chairperson
• Deputy Collector (Encroachment Removal) – Member
• SRA Representative – Member
• Assistant Conservator of Forest – Member Secretary

These committees will function independently for their respective jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities of the Committees

The committees have been tasked with:

Verifying eligibility of encroachers
Identifying ineligible occupants for eviction
Ensuring rehabilitation of eligible families outside the park
Submitting monthly progress reports to authorities

Forest officials will present detailed data on encroachments to these committees for evaluation.

Rehabilitation & Allotment Process

Once eligibility is confirmed:

• Orders for allotment of housing units will be prepared
• Final approvals will be issued by senior forest authorities
• Eligible encroachers will be rehabilitated outside SGNP limits

Grievance Redressal Mechanism

To ensure fairness, the government has also provided a complaint mechanism:

• Affected individuals can file appeals within 15 days
• Appeals will be reviewed by a Grievance Redressal Committee

Environmental and Urban Impact

Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of Mumbai’s most critical green zones, playing a key role in:

• Maintaining ecological balance
• Supporting biodiversity
• Acting as a natural buffer against urban expansion

The initiative is expected to:

• Protect forest land from further encroachment
• Improve environmental conservation
• Balance human rehabilitation with ecological preservation

Conclusion

The reconstitution of committees marks a significant step towards resolving one of Mumbai’s most complex urban-environmental challenges. By combining legal compliance, rehabilitation, and enforcement, the Maharashtra government aims to bring long-term clarity and sustainability to land use within Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

Also Read: Maharashtra Orders Massive Encroachment Cleanup: Small Cities Set for Major Transformation

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