Mumbai’s latest draft plan for the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Sanjay Gandhi National Park has triggered widespread concern from residents, environmental groups, and tribal communities, who argue that the proposal could open the door to extensive urbanisation in one of the city’s most critical ecological buffers. Released by the municipal administration for public input, the plan has been criticised for limiting participation, understating community populations, and allowing development in zones previously treated as ecologically delicate.
Prepared by an external consulting firm, the draft delineates nearly 60 sq km around the national park into three zones: a settlement zone, a regulated development zone, and an ecologically fragile zone. Officials involved in the process say this zoning is based on a “vulnerability index”, yet urban researchers note that areas assessed as highly sensitive have still been classified for buildings, institutional projects, and tourism-led activities.Experts familiar with the mapping process argue that the heavy reliance on remote-sensing data, rather than comprehensive field studies, has resulted in gaps in biodiversity and hydrological assessments. According to urban planners, crucial catchment areas and stream corridors have been placed in zones where construction is permitted, posing risks for downstream flooding in already vulnerable neighbourhoods. Analysts point out that Mumbai’s prior infrastructure projects in these regions have repeatedly altered natural drainage channels, contributing to frequent monsoon flooding.
Local communities, particularly Adivasi settlements that pre-date the park’s formation, say the document neither reflects ground realities nor acknowledges their legal rights. Tribal organisations claim that several traditional hamlets have been omitted from official lists, while non-tribal settlements have been misclassified. Representatives from village councils say the population figures quoted in the draft significantly underreport tribal households, raising fears that the inaccuracies may later be used to restrict land rights or relocation benefits.The short consultation period has been another sticking point. Many residents said the English-only draft excludes people who are most likely to be affected. Citizen groups added that administrative processes for submitting objections and the merging of multiple letters into single entries risk undercounting public dissent.Urban conservation researchers warn that permitting “regulated” activities in large portions of the ESZ could result in the fragmentation of forest patches critical for wildlife, including leopards, deer, and migratory species. They argue that the surrounding buffer must be treated as an ecological extension of the park rather than an opportunity for real estate expansion disguised as sustainable development.
While the plan references nature-based tourism and eco-friendly economic activities, residents point out that existing polluting units within the ESZ have not been addressed. This omission, they claim, raises doubts about whether environmental safeguards will be enforced consistently.As Mumbai strives for climate resilience and equitable urban development, planners and community members say that any long-term strategy for the park must prioritise conservation, protect indigenous settlements, and ensure accessible public participation. They argue that a strengthened framework with transparent data, multilingual communication, and inclusive decision-making remains essential if the city is to preserve its last major green lung.
Mumbai Draft Eco Plan Sparks Fears Of Development Threatening City’s Last Green Lung
