Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Bombay HC Orders Maharashtra Govt to Identify 3 New 90-Acre Sites for SGNP Rehabilitation
Imagine a big national park that people have built homes in.
A court had previously said these homes need to be moved to protect the park.
However, the government has taken a very long time to find new places for these people.
The court is unhappy about this delay and has told the government they must find three new pieces of land, each as big as 90 football fields, within two weeks.
Importantly, these new lands cannot be close to the national park.
The government mentioned a potential place but it's in an area with special environmental rules, which might cause more delays.
The court wants the government to be decisive and either find suitable land or suggest other solutions for the people living in the park.
Bombay High Court ordered the Maharashtra government to identify three 90-acre sites for rehabilitating encroachers from Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).
The court specified that the new rehabilitation sites must not be near SGNP and expressed disappointment over the two-decade delay in compliance.
The government faces challenges with a proposed site in Marol-Maroshi, as it falls within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Aarey Colony, leading to potential construction restrictions.
A contempt petition was filed by the NGO Conservation Action Trust for non-compliance with a 1997 High Court order concerning SGNP protection.
The court set a two-week deadline for the state to identify the alternative lands and submit an affidavit, emphasizing the need for expeditious action.
- Who
- Bombay High Court, Maharashtra government, encroachers/slum dwellers of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), NGO Conservation Action Trust, Samyak Janhit Seva (society of slum dwellers), Advocate General Birendra Saraf.
- What
- The Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra government to identify three 90-acre sites for rehabilitating SGNP encroachers and slammed the state for delays in compliance with a 1997 court order.
- When
- The directive was issued on Tuesday (implied to be recent, before the next hearing). Previous relevant orders date back to 1997. The state has two weeks to identify new sites.
- Where
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Mumbai, with required rehabilitation sites to be located 'nowhere near SGNP'. Potential problematic site mentioned is Marol-Maroshi.
- Why
- To expedite the rehabilitation of eligible SGNP encroachers and address the government's prolonged failure and alleged 'lax' attitude in complying with court orders for park protection and clearing encroachments.
Petitioners' Concerns
Government's Position/Challenges
Compliance with Court Orders
Petitioners' Concerns
The NGO Conservation Action Trust filed a contempt petition due to the state's failure to comply with a 1997 High Court order regarding SGNP protection. Petitioners point out the government's 'lax' and 'callous attitude' and the two-decade delay.
Government's Position/Challenges
The Advocate General (AG) acknowledged the delay but mentioned efforts have been made, with over 11,000 of 13,000 identified encroachers already rehabilitated. The government is seeking more time to regularize proposed sites.
Land Identification for Rehabilitation
Petitioners' Concerns
Petitioners, including a society of eligible slum dwellers, are seeking rehabilitation and oppose using the Marol-Maroshi plot as it's within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Aarey Colony, where construction is not permitted.
Government's Position/Challenges
The state government cited difficulties in finding suitable land, mentioning that a plot near SGNP is stalled due to green zone regulations. They also proposed the Marol-Maroshi site, suggesting permission could be obtained from the Supreme Court for construction.
Location of Alternative Sites
Petitioners' Concerns
The court itself noted that the alternate land must not be in the vicinity of SGNP, aligning with petitioners' concerns about proper relocation away from the park.
Government's Position/Challenges
The government initially sought time to regularize the Marol-Maroshi site, which is relatively close to SGNP and faces regulatory hurdles. The court expressed skepticism about this choice due to potential delays and its status as a possible private forest.
- Court
- Bombay High Court
- Issue
- Rehabilitation of encroachers/slum dwellers within Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP)
- Government Action Required
- Identify three alternative lands of 90 acres each for rehabilitation within two weeks, not near SGNP.
- Past Court Order
- 1997 order regarding protection of SGNP and prevention of encroachments.
- Contempt Petition Filed By
- NGO Conservation Action Trust
- Proposed Rehabilitation Site Issues
- Marol-Maroshi plot is within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Aarey Colony; potential declaration as a private forest.
- High-Powered Committee
- Headed by retired Chief Justice Justice Dilip Bhosle, formed in October to oversee SGNP boundary wall construction and prevent encroachments.
- Next Hearing
- Affidavit detailing identified lands to be submitted within two weeks; further proceedings related to the committee to continue.
Sources
Housing society residents in Parel allege Slum Rehabilitation Authority flouting Bombay High Court’s 35% open space rule
HC asks state govt to identify alternative lands for rehabilitation of SGNP slum dwellers
