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Residents of Abhinav Nagar in Borivali East recently alleged that Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) was encroaching on about 2250 sq ft of land near their locality bordering the park. A local public representative who visited the site claimed the work was being carried out on the instructions of SGNP Director and IFS officer Anita Patil.

Matter escalates

The allegations soon gained attention, and the matter was later raised in the Maharashtra State Assembly, where some public representatives demanded action against the park director.

Notice issued

Amid the controversy, SGNP Director Anita Patil issued a show-cause notice to SGNP deputy director (South) Kiran Patil. The notice states that the officer allegedly failed to provide timely clarification on the forest department’s stand to residents, public representatives, and the media.

Department view

Sources from the forest department said, “Had Deputy Director (South) Kiran Patil officer clearly communicated the forest department’s stance earlier, the misinformation about SGNP allegedly encroaching on land would not have spread. The delay in responding to the allegations ended up tarnishing the image of the park administration and the forest department.” The notice also refers to the deputy director’s alleged inefficient working method and seeks an explanation for the delay in clarifying the issue.

Allegation

>> SGNP encroaching on land
>> Around 2250 sq ft area cited

Did you know?

>> The 2021 Government Resolution changed the SGNP structure
>> Deputy Directors now have independent offices
>> The director’s role is largely non-executive