A joint anti-snare operation has been launched inside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Mumbai and adjoining forest areas to strengthen wildlife protection and conservation efforts. The drive will now be conducted every month across different locations in the park.
The initiative is being carried out by the Maharashtra Forest Department, including the Thane Territorial Wing, with support from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation, Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare and Wildlife Welfare Association.
The aim is to detect and remove illegal snares placed by poachers, which pose a serious threat to wildlife inside the forest.
Drive conducted in Yeoor Range
The latest operation was carried out at Manpada in the Yeoor Range of SGNP.
It was led by Range Forest Officer (RFO) Narendra Muthe of Thane Range and RFO Mayur Survase of Yeoor Range.
Teams searched forest patches to locate and remove live snares and monitor suspicious activity.
Focus on Protection of Wildlife
Officials said that snares, often set for bush meat hunting, frequently trap non-target species such as leopards and other protected animals, causing severe injuries or death.
The monthly drive will now be conducted across different parts of SGNP to ensure continuous monitoring.
NGO Support and Capacity Building
Advocate Pawan Sharma, founder and president of RAWW and Honorary Wildlife Warden of Thane district, said the park faces challenges due to its location within a densely populated urban landscape.
He said additional manpower from MSSC will help strengthen surveillance and fill gaps in forest staff availability. NGO volunteers will also support ground operations.
The officials plan to conduct regular training sessions and workshops for field staff and volunteers to improve detection and removal of snares.
They said consistent monitoring and coordinated action will significantly improve wildlife protection outcomes in the park.
