Mumbai: A proposed massive fee hike at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and the closure of the Thakur Village and other similar 'illegal' entry gates from May 1 have triggered widespread outrage among morning walkers, with residents calling the move arbitrary and exclusionary.
Proposed Fee Hike Sparks Anger
The park authority had proposed increasing the annual pass for walkers by over 2,700%—from Rs 348 to Rs 10,000 (Rs 5,000 for senior citizens)—citing 'administrative expenses,' but offering little clarity on the sharp jump. The proposal sparked anger among thousands of regular visitors, including housewives, senior citizens, and working professionals who depend on the park for their morning walks and daily exercises.
The entry fee for regular daytime visitors at the park is proposed to be Rs 150 for adults, Rs 75 for children, and the cycle hiring charges are proposed to be Rs 300 for four hours.
Senior Citizens Affected
Senior citizens, some of whom live alone, look forward to the morning walk, which gives them joy unexplained. 'Please do not deprive them of this. You'll be depriving them of this natural therapy, and there will be 80% of seniors who will not be able to pay this exorbitant fee hike,' said Priya Dass, a regular walker who lives in Borivli.
SGNP director Anita Patil put the fee hike on hold on Thursday, stating the decision was taken during her absence and would be reviewed. However, she confirmed that the Thakur Village entry point will remain shut. All entries to the western part of the SGNP will be allowed from the main gate at Borivli.
High-Power Committee Directive
The move, she said, follows directions from a High-Power Committee appointed by the Bombay High Court, which recommended closing all 'unauthorised' entry gates and restricting access to the main gates.
The decision has triggered anger among locals, who argue that the Thakur Village gate has long been used by pass holders to enter after showing their passes.
Residents Question 'Illegal' Tag
Residents also point out that the park authority is constructing a wide access road at the same location connected to the road outside, reportedly for a government power utility housing society and a BMC water reservoir—raising questions about how the entry point is now being termed 'illegal.'
Thakur Village resident Vishnudas Pawar said, 'The authorities are building a highway-like road inside the park, yet restricting locals from using the same access point. This effectively discourages regular walkers. Many women and senior citizens manage their limited time to take a stroll in the park, and cannot travel all the way to the main gate. The decision is arbitrary, and such entry points should remain open.'
Park Director's Defense
Defending the move, Anita Patil said the committee's mandate is to regulate visitor movement and curb encroachments. 'All unauthorised gates must be closed. Only the main gate will remain operational for visitors,' she said, adding that the park is bound to comply with the panel's directions.
The High-Power Committee was constituted last year by the Bombay High Court to safeguard the park from encroachments, regulate visitor access, and oversee the construction of a boundary wall.
