Archive · 18 Jan 2026
Citizens Protest Eco Sensitive Zone Plan at Mumbai Marathon
A big group of people, over 400, went to the Tata Mumbai Marathon to protest.
They wanted to save a big forest called Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and a place called Aarey.
They held up signs and posters saying things like 'Hands off our forest' and 'Save Sanjay Gandhi National Park'.
They are against a plan by the city government that might allow buildings and roads to be built in the forest.
They also want to save many mangrove trees from being cut down for a new road.
Some people remember a similar protest ten years ago about Aarey, and they think the current issue is even bigger.
They want people to understand that if they don't speak up, more forests and wildlife areas could be harmed.
Over 400 citizens protested during the Tata Mumbai Marathon to save Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and Aarey.
They opposed the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Draft Plan by the BMC, which could allow development in the forest.
Protesters held signs with messages like 'Hands off our forest' and 'Save Sanjay Gandhi National Park'.
They also aimed to save 45,000 mangroves from being cut for the Versova-Bhayander Coastal Road.
The protest was supported by groups like Aarey Conservation Group, Muse Foundation, Let India Breathe, and Thane Greens collective.
- Who
- Over 400 citizens, green activists, and supporting groups
- What
- Protest against the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Draft Plan for Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) during the Tata Mumbai Marathon
- When
- During the Tata Mumbai Marathon
- Where
- Mumbai, along the marathon route
- Why
- To demand the scrapping of the ESZ Draft Plan and to save SGNP and Aarey from development
- Event
- Tata Mumbai Marathon
- Cause
- Save Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and Aarey
- Participants
- Over 400 citizens
- Opposition
- Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Draft Plan by BMC
- Key Messages
- 'Hands off our forest', 'Save Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Scrap Eco Sensitive zone plan'
- Supporting Groups
- Aarey Conservation Group, Muse Foundation, Let India Breathe, Thane Greens collective
- Environmental Concern
- Saving 45,000 mangroves from being cut for Versova-Bhayander Coastal Road