Mumbai Activists and Tribals Rally Against SGNP Draft Zonal Master Plan
Activists and tribal communities in Thane have gathered to voice concerns over the draft zonal master plan for the Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). The plan is criticized for favoring real estate development over conservation and for being released only in English, making it inaccessible to many locals.
EnvironmentTribal RightsSgnpZonal Master PlanConservationReal Estate MumbaiNov 09, 2025
Nishant Bangera, a green activist from Thane, emphasized the importance of such meetings. He stated, “The objective was to create awareness and understanding of the draft zonal master plan (ZMP) of the ESZ of SGNP. These meetings will help prepare the locals for the public hearing by the civic bodies.”
One of the major concerns raised by the tribal communities is that the 353-page draft ZMP, released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in September, was only published in English. This has made it difficult for many tribal members to comprehend the plan, leading to widespread frustration. The locals also claim that the draft violates tribal rights and represents a missed opportunity to prepare Mumbai for the impacts of the climate crisis.
The draft ZMP has been prepared nine years after the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) notification. It is designed by the BMC’s Development Plan department and is applicable to the municipal corporations of Navi Mumbai, Thane, Mira Bhayandar, Vasai Virar, and Palghar district. Approximately 5,945 hectares of SGNP fall under the ESZ, spanning parts of the Mumbai suburban and Thane districts.
The Free Press Journal (FPJ) reported on October 16, quoting a senior official from the Development Plan department, that public hearings on the draft ZMP will be conducted by the respective municipal corporations. These hearings will culminate in a report to the BMC, which, under the guidance of the ESZ committee, will prepare the final zonal master plan. The BMC Commissioner chairs the ESZ monitoring committee.
Despite the ongoing wait for the public hearings, activists continue to voice their concerns. They argue that the plan does little to promote conservation within the ESZ. “The list of ‘regulated activities’ allows all types of construction activity, which goes against the very framework of the ESZ. Development activities are permitted in the ESZ, but only for the livelihood of the local communities, not for commercial exploitation,” they assert.
Key objections raised against the draft ZMP include:
1. Flawed sub-zoning that opens the ESZ to real estate development, defeating the purpose of the buffer zone.
2. Exclusion of 27 Adivasi padas, incorrectly labeled as 'slums'.
3. A vague definition of eco-tourism that allows the construction of hotels and resorts.
4. No strategy to protect crucial wildlife corridors.
5. Polluting industries not properly defined or restricted.
These concerns highlight the need for a more inclusive and environmentally conscious approach to the development of the ESZ, ensuring that the rights and well-being of both the local communities and the natural environment are protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the public meeting in Jambulpada, Thane?
The purpose of the public meeting was to raise awareness and understanding of the draft zonal master plan (ZMP) for the Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and to prepare the locals for the upcoming public hearing by civic bodies.
Why are tribal communities upset with the draft zonal master plan?
Tribal communities are upset because the draft ZMP was only published in English, making it difficult for them to understand. Additionally, they believe the plan violates their rights and does not adequately protect the environment.
What are the main concerns raised by activists about the draft ZMP?
Activists are concerned that the plan allows all types of construction activity, which goes against the purpose of the ESZ. They also point out issues such as flawed sub-zoning, exclusion of Adivasi padas, vague eco-tourism definitions, and inadequate protection of wildlife corridors.
How is the draft ZMP being reviewed?
The draft ZMP will be reviewed through public hearings conducted by the respective municipal corporations. The reports from these hearings will be sent to the BMC, which will then prepare the final zonal master plan under the guidance of the ESZ committee.
What is the role of the BMC in the development of the ESZ of SGNP?
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is responsible for preparing the draft zonal master plan (ZMP) for the Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). The BMC Commissioner chairs the ESZ monitoring committee, which oversees the final development of the plan.
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