Sanjay Gandhi National Park
The green jewel of MumbaiIn 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.
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Call of the wild
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.
A dense population of trees and luxuriant plant life contribute to the lush and invigorating surroundings. Teak, Khair, Vad, Peepal, Umbar, Neem, Karanj and hundreds of other trees, bushes, creepers and fruit trees like Mango, Jambhul etc. grow here. Besides, the 20 km. long Thane-Bassin creek which passes through the forest is full of rich mangroves on both sides of the creek. The Tulsi and Vihar lakes situated within the park are major sources of water supply to Mumbai and Thane.
The lungs of the city
The thick forest cover of the park naturally renders an invaluable service of helping lower pollution levels in the city by supplying fresh oxygen and acting as a sink. By serving as a huge natural generator of life-sustaining oxygen, the National Park meets the need of the habitants of the region, more specifically, the twin cities of Thane and Mumbai.
Besides, the forest also constitutes an excellent catchment area for the Tulsi and Vihar lakes. If Mumbai has been saved from severe water shortages, it is largely due to the fact that these two lakes that lie within the park precincts meet 5% or more of the city's water supply needs. Mumbai, then, must always remain indebted to this unique natural heritage and protect it at all costs.
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 it be threatened.
How the park evolved
The forest surroundings of the Borivili National Park date back to the 4th century B.C. At the time, Sopara (now Nala Sopara) and Kalyan were two ports near Mumbai,important for conducting trade with Greece and the Middle East.
The trade route connecting the trade center and these ports passed through the forest. Along the same route, were the rock cut caves of Kanheri - ancient Buddhist settlements dating back to the 1st century and serving as rest houses for weary travellers. The word 'Kanheri' originates from the sanskrit word 'Krishnagiri'or 'black mountain'.
The forests of Yeur and Nagla then constituted the state property under the Maratha Empire. When the Forest Department came into existence, the forests were surveyed and consequently brought under proper management. In the early days,the park was named 'Krishnagiri National Park' after the caves, and the area was just 20.26 sq.km. In 1969, the park of the present size grew and took shape by virtually piecing together lands of varying ownership. An independent unit of the Forest Department called 'Borivili National Park Sub-division'was created after adding on the adjoining areas and the 'Krishnagiri National Park' was renamed 'Borivili National Park'. In the early 80s, it was once again re-christened 'Sanjay Gandhi National Park'.
The undulating green lands of the Borivili National Park are just the kind of surroundings to which one would love to retreat for some moments of quiet introspection or meditation. The great panoramic views of hills, valleys, lakes and open expanses can actually have a therapeutic effect on mind, body and soul. Rising from an elevation less than about 30 Mts. above mean sea level, the terrain park culminates in a series of peaks dispersed throughout the park - the highest, near the Kanheri Caves, being 468 Mts.
Temperature :
The mean annual temperature is 27'C with a range of 15'C-35'C over the period. The proximity to the sea has a moderating influence on the climate. The ideal season to visit the National Park is from Nov. to Feb., when temperatures are below 30'C. The relative humidity is always above 60% very often exceeding above 80% during the monsoons.
Rainfall:
The south west monsoon bursts about mid June and continues with great gusto till September. The maximum rainfall occurs in the months of July and August. The mean annual rainfall is 2500 mm.
Forest type:
The forest can be classified into two main classes - South Indian Moist Deciduous and Semi-Evergreen, which can be further differentiated as
- Moist Teak Bearing forest.
- Southern Moist mixed Deciduous forest.
- Mangrove scrub.
- Western Sub-Tropical Hill forest.
Entrance to the Sanjay Gandhi National park was earlier known as Borivli National Park in Mumbai (formerly Bombay).
Area of this national park is 104 sq km, one-fourth of the area of Mumbai which is about 450 sq km. Part of this park falls under Mumbai other part under Thane. There are about 20-25 leopards in this park.
The park is also having NEC,Lion safari,Tiger safari, Deer Park, Boating and Mini Train.The Kanheri cave situated about 8 Km from rly station.
The wild animals of the park inclues Leopards, Jungle cat, Rusty spotted cat, Civet cat, porcupines, chital, sambar, barking deer and very rarely Mouse deer. The recreation activities remain closed on monday.
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