BNHS and the forest department have come up with strict rules and regulations that devotees coming to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary during festivals like Mahashivratri and Urs will have to abide by
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the forest department have come up with strict rules and regulations that devotees coming to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary during festivals like Mahashivratri and Urs will have to abide by. The move is aimed at protecting the ecology of the two places from damage caused by visitors.
“More than 2.5 lakh people visit the world-renowned Kanheri Caves near Borivli and the Shiv Temple at Tungareshwar near Vasai on Mahashivratri. BNHS has been working on crowd management, avoiding littering of any kind and reducing incidents of forest fires,” said Krishna Tiwari of BNHS.
On Mahashivratri, entry to the forest will be allowed only from the main gate at Borivli (East) and Satvali in Vasai (East) between 7am and 4.30pm. Visitors will have to leave by 5pm. Inflammable articles including matchboxes, lighters, cigarettes, and kerosene will be strictly prohibited, along with plastic bags and electronic devices such as music systems, tape recorders and radios. These restrictions will also be applicable for Urs, which takes place every year in May in the national park.
Illegal dargahs at the Mama Bhanja Hill and Mastaan, situated at the heart of the national park, are visited by over 10,000 people. “Visitors stay in tents in the forest for three days and nights with rations. Tube lights are installed, generators used for lighting and food is served. In the past, goats have been sacrificed. Several bands enter the park along with fire crackers at night on the occasion. White markings are made in the forest, and pamphlets are distributed,” said Tiwari.
Environmentalists are particularly worried as this festival coincides with the wildlife census. Both take place on full moon nights, the former hampering scientific studies. “We urge the people that it is important to take care of nature while celebrating any festival in forests,” he added.
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