BNHS City Forest report 2007

City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
Contents __________________________________________________
Page no
Acknowledgements
List of Abbreviation…………………………………………………………………
3
Glossary……………………………………………………………………………..
4
I)
Introduction City Forest……………………………………………………
5
II)
Man-Leopard conflict awareness Campaigns (2006)………………….
5
Methodology………………………………………………………………..
7
Field work……………………………………………………………………
7
Observations………………………………………………………………..
10
Leopard Awareness Team…………………………………………………
11
III)
Festivals of SGNP
Mahashivratri 2007………………………………………………………..
11
Urs 2007………………………………………………………………….…
13
IV)
Wildlife Census Sanjay Gandhi National Park – 2007………………...
16
V)
Encroachments at Sanjay Gandhi National Park
VI)
VII)
Introduction…………………………………………………………………
16
List of Nagars / Padas…………………………………………………….
17
Legal action…………………………………………………………………
19
Demolition…………………………………………………………………..
19
Relocation…………………………………………………………………..
19
Status of boundary wall……………………………………………………
20
•
Agricultural encroachments………………………………………….
20
•
Religious Encroachments…………………………………………….
20
Issues of Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Forest Fires…………………………………………………………………
22
Grazing………………………………………………………………………
24
Landslides…………………………………………………………………..
24
Tree Felling…………………………………………………………………
25
Illicit Liquor Making…………………………………………………..…….
25
Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Introduction…………………………………………………………………
26
1
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
Religious settlements…………………………………………………….
Mahashivratri 2007……………………………………………………….
VIII)
27
Issues of Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Agricultural Encroachments……………………………………………..
29
Mining Quarrying and Brick Kilns……………………………………….
30
Boundary Demarcation…………………………………………………..
31
Tree Felling………………………………………………………………..
31
Landslides…………………………………………………………………
32
IX)
Main threats to Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary…………………….
33
X)
News paper articles………………………………………………………
34
Annexure………………………………………………………………..…
38
Bibliography……………………………………………………………….
38
Cover photo: Nagla Block SGNP.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Mr. Hemandra Kothari, Chairman, DSP Merill Lynch,
Mr Prem P.S. Yaduvendu, (IFS) ex CCF, SGNP and TWLS
Dr. S.K. Khetrapal, (IFS) CCF, SGNP and TWLS
Shri. A.R. Bharati, ex CF, SGNP and TWLS
Dr. P.N. Munde (IFS) CF and Director, SGNP and TWLS
Mr. Sunjoy Monga, Wildlife Photographer and Naturalist
RFOs, Guards, Staff of SGNP and TWLS
I also thank the volunteers for their time, support and efforts for the on-going
conservation activities of SGNP and TWLS.
2
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
LIST OF ABBREVIATION
Name
Acronyms
Bombay Natural History Society
BNHS
Bombay Environmental Action Group
BEAG
World Wildlife Fund
WWF
Non-Government Organization
NGO
Forest Department
FD
Police Department
PD
Nature Information Centre
NIC
Monsoon Protection Strategy
(MPS)
Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
MCGM
Range Forest Officer
RFO
Assistant Conservator of Forest
ACF
Conservator of Forests
CF
Chief Conservator of Forests
CCF
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
SGNP
Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
TWLS
Nivarak Hakk Suraksha Samiti
NHSS
Archaeological Survey of India
ASI
Survey of India
SOI
3
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
GLOSSARY
Adivasi
An indigenous tribal
Adivasi
Local tribal organisations
Sanghatana
Warli
Scheduled tribe indigenous to north-western Maharashtra
Marathi
Local language of the State of Maharashtra
Nagar
Human settlement done by the outsiders other than adivasi
Pada
Tribal Settlement
Zopadpatti / Hut
Temporary shelters walls made either with karvi, mud, bricks
and roofs with cement or tin sheets
Dargha
Grave of a Muslim holy man, popularly called baba
Ashram
Place of religious, spiritual and social retreat
Mahashivratri
Hindu festival celebrated in the name of Lord Shiva
Bhajan / kirtan
Songs in name of god
Mandir
Hindu place of worship
Urs
Muslim festival celebrated in honour of saints
Jatropa
A bio-diesel fuel plant
Buruj / Bund
Embankment that marks the forest boundary
Bhatti
Illicit liquor making plant
Dhabba
Roadside eatery
Pandal
Tent made for gatherings
4
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
(I) INTRODUCTION CITY FOREST
The City Forest Project initiated by the Bombay Natural History Society under its
conservation department aims to protect the natural habitats of Mumbai and Thane,
especially Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and Tungareshwar Wildlife
Sanctuary (TWLS). Its main objectives being:
• Systematic documentation of Urban Biodiversity
• Conduct awareness campaigns to gather local support for the protection of
urban biodiversity
• Advocacy with Government for the better protection measures for these areas
(II) Man-Leopard conflict
Awareness Campaigns (2006)
The 103.09 sq. km area of SGNP is spread over Thane district (58.64 sq. km) and
Mumbai suburban division (44.45 sq. km). SGNP is a mixed deciduous forest with
Leopard as its main predator. This protected area has numerous illegal
encroachments, in the form of shanties, all along the periphery of the Park. There
are more than 57 nagars and padas. Leopard attacks on humans and domestic
animals around these human settlements are therefore not a rare event, making
Man-Leopard conflict a major concern for the authorities and people staying in and
around SGNP.
The exploding population of Mumbai has led to a sharp growth in the real estate
industry. Most land grabbers have manipulated the buffer zones and encroached
parts of SGNP making the residents of these housing complexes vulnerable to
Leopards attacks. With a high density of human population and livestock, including
stray dogs in and around SGNP, there is abundant food supply for the Leopards.
There have been instances of Leopards jumping the boundary walls of the buildings
and attacking children. Man-Leopard conflict is a sensitive issue, as one cannot be
compromised for the other. It was therefore decided that conservation of Leopards
be addressed through public awareness campaigns.
5
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
Status of the Man-Leopard conflict
Year
Inside park
Outside park
Total
Injured Died Injured
Total
Incidents
Death
Injured
Death
2001
----
05
----
----
----
05
05
2002
14
07
03
01
17
08
25
2003
08
06
06
09
14
15
29
2004
08
02
11
09
19
11
30
2005
02
----
01
03
03
03
06
2006
04
03
----
----
04
03
07
2007
---
---
---
1
--
01
01
Total
36
23
21
23
57
46
103
Source Forest Department, SGNP
Two People were injured by Leopard attacks on 19th December 2007 in Thane, as
the Leopard had entered the city.
In 2006, the Campaign was carried out in more than 44 nagars / padas and
interactions were held with more than 5000 people. (See Annexure-1)
Leopard Awareness Campaign 2006
Sr
Activity
Areas
Participants
Volunteer
Leopard awareness
45
5000- 6000
4
N
o
1
campaigns 2006
6
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
Methodology
The Project Officer, Mr. Krishna Tiwari met local community leaders and
representatives with Forest Department personnel to chalk out campaigns in the
selected nagars/padas.
Preparation
• Social activists and local leaders were contacted and involved during
interactions with residents
• Campaign material in easy to follow Marathi text with illustrations were
developed
• Two 5 x 6 inch Flex banners and more than 300 sun pack boards were printed
with information on Man-Leopard conflict.
• An orientation and training programme on how to conduct awareness
campaigns was held for volunteers
Field work
•
•
•
•
•
•
Volunteers and contact persons from each pada gathered the residents at a
pre-decided venue
Informal discussions with residents, especially the youth and children, helped
the team to gather information on Leopards and attacks in the area
The residents were informed about the Do’s and Don’ts to avert Leopard
attacks
The phone number of the SGNP Control Room was distributed
In all the nagars and padas, the team displayed the sun pack boards at prime
locations.
Residents were requested to share the information with those who could not
attend
7
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
8
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
1. Educational tool for Leopard awareness campaign
9
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
Fig no 2 & 3.
Interactions carried during the awareness programme
Fig no 3 & 4.
Leopard Awareness Campaign carried in SGNP
Observations
In 2004, 30 leopard attacks were reported in and around SGNP, of which 19 were
fatal.
The results of the preliminary work are evident from the reduction in conflict
incidences since the inception of the Campaign. However, the reduction in conflicts
can not be entirely credited to the campaigns as following the series of Leopard
attacks in 2004 the Forest Department conducted massive exercises of trapping of
Leopards from the most affected areas of attacks. More than twenty two leopards
were trapped in 2005.
10
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
During 2007 the campaign focussed on sensitive nagars/padas, i.e. areas with a
high frequency of Leopard sightings and attacks, which could be not covered during
2006. Presence of Leopards was confirmed in all these nagars/padas through
reports and Leopard scats. It is noteworthy that the attitude of the adivasis was far
better than that of local encroachers.
Outcomes
• Increased awareness among people on Leopard behavior
• Increased knowledge on how to avoid Leopard attacks and what to do in case
of sighting Leopard(s)
The challenge is to convince the residents of the need to co-exist with wildlife. The
awareness generated among the individuals staying with Leopards because of the
awareness campaigns has resulted in lowered conflict levels. Awareness campaigns
should be employed as a long term strategy to tackle Man-Leopard Conflicts.
Awareness team
Krishna Tiwari, Project Officer, City Forest
Volunteers: Shailesh Torne; Ruchi Mahsane; Madhura Naik; Mahesh Satam; Naresh
Bhoir, local adivasi; Mr Patankar, Forest Beat Guard; Bhoominath Shukla, Forest
labour.
(III) Festivals of SGNP
Mahashivratri 2007
Mahashivratri was celebrated on Friday, February 16, 2007. For better management,
SGNP was divided in two zones: Yeur Range hills in Thane (Ramnagar and Shree
nagar) and Borivli Main Gate leading to Kanheri caves. (See map)
Yeur Range
Mahashivratri at the Yeur Range hills was peaceful this year. These hills house
illegal ashrams mandirs and dargha. Until about 5-6 years ago lakhs of visitors
thronged the Park through these hills and ventured in to the core areas like Tulsi
Lake, Kanheri Caves, Yeur, violating laws damaging and disturbing the wildlife. The
situation, however, was under control due to the continuous efforts of BNHS, WWF,
FD, volunteers and Police Department during the past few years. The number of
visitors remained more or less constant as last year (around 75,000 to 80,000). This
year about 30 volunteers took the responsibility of controlling and monitoring the
situation at the Yeur Range hills.
11
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
The numbers of forest guards deputed were inadequate; the cooperation received
from the FD and Police Department was also not inadequate. The guards seemed
relaxed, as the volunteers had taken on most of their duties. The volunteers were at
work from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All hawkers were removed from the forest limits;
volunteers were recruited at every corner from where the devotees are known or
likely to enter into the forest. The volunteers kept a vigil in the remotest corners of
the Park to keep druggist, gamblers and illegal entrants at bay. A large quantity of
waste, which included plastics, beer bottles, country liquor, matches and waste
papers were confiscated and properly disposed; three incidents of fire were reported
and extinguished in the hills by the volunteers and FD.
Borivli region
The Park gate was opened at 7:30 a.m. Staff of the FD, PD, Archaeological Survey
of India, MCGM, and volunteers were present to curtail unwarranted disturbances in
the protected area. The volunteer response was overwhelming; there were around
115 volunteers and students from various colleges across the city such as Thadomal
Shahani College of Engineering, BAL Bharti College, Royal College, and Sydenham
College. Plastic bags, cigarettes, bidis, lighters, and matchboxes were confiscated
from the visitors entering the Park. Volunteers stopped buses and vehicles bound to
Kanheri caves at the gate and checked each visitor before letting them into the
protected area. No incidents of fire were recorded; plastic bags were also
confiscated from the hawkers selling Prasad and eatables. The road to Kanheri was
lined up with stalls selling foodstuff, water and sherbet, all of which was wellmanaged. Around 100 entrants from Tulsi and other areas were stopped and
requested to use the official entrance to enter the Park. The number of individuals
using points other than the entry point to the Park had decreased this year. Two
incidents of fire were reported around Tulsi Lake, which were controlled with the help
of volunteers. Lunch packets were arranged for the volunteers and staff of the Forest
Department at around 1:00 pm. Entry gates at the SGNP were closed at 5:00 p.m.;
buses plied up to 6:45 p.m. to pick up volunteers and stragglers from various sites in
SGNP.
About 70,000-80,000 visitors were recorded at SGNP in 2007, which was similar to
the number as last year.
12
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
Urs 2007
Urs is a Muslim festival celebrated every year during May in SGNP. During 2007 Urs
was celebrated from May 1-3.
Fig 5. Urs celebrations
The Mama-Bhanja and Mastaan dargha, both illegal, are situated at 1100 and 500
feet respectively in the hills of Yeur Range. The Mama-Bhanjha dargha is situated on
the second highest hill of SGNP. Both the darghas celebrated Urs within the forest
area in spite of having no official permission from the Forest Department. The
visitors tented in the forest for three days and night with rations. Most of the visitors
were from the Muslim dominated localities of Mumbra, Rabodi, and Hajouriee. The
numbers visiting the areas was more than 7000-8000 this year, and they are
increasing each year. More than 60% visitors this year were ladies with children. The
influx of the crowd was lowest on day one.
Tube lights (70 in number) were set-up on April 30th all along the way leading to the
dargha; the lit-up hill was visible from Thane City! A 110 litre of kerosene, a
generator and 50 cement bags were a few other items present at the dargha.
13
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
14
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
Fig 6 & 7. Urs celebrations on Mastaan and Mama Bhanja Dargha in Yeur hills
The direction to the darghas was marked in white and pamphlets advertising the
festival all along the path. Food was also provided to the visitors.
The lights drew the attention of the Forest Department, who acted immediately, but
were met with strong resistance from a crowd of over 300 people. The FD, however,
took custody of the generator. Forest fires were reported during Urs. Water holes
dried up, due to over usage by the visitors, disturbance to wildlife due to
loudspeakers and band playing, hawkers selling refreshments, tobacco products,
water, din of the crackers light up in the evening are a clear violation of Wildlife
(Protection) Act 1972 and Forest Conservation Act 1980, besides the dargha is very
close to a defence installation.
Fig no 8. Influx of the visitors at 6:30 pm
15
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
Despite taking a hard stance the Forest Department could not stop the celebrations.
The Mama-Bhanja dargha is situated in the core area of SGNP; Leopards are
frequent visitors here and have also been spotted by the visitors during the festival.
An order to demolish the dargha was passed, but could not be implemented due to
various constraints and resistance. Who would then be held responsible in case of
an eventuality, the Forest Department or the careless visitors?
(IV) Wildlife Census 2007
The Forest Department held a meeting for the Wildlife Census 2007 at the BNHSNature Information Centre, Borivli. The meeting was chaired by ACF, Mr. Kailash
Birari, and attended by Mr. Y.B. Patil, ACF, Yeur Range & TWLS Mr. Padwale, RFO,
Mr. Borade, RFO TWLS and forest personnel with staff of SGNP and TWLS,
including volunteers of the City Forest Project. The volunteers participated in the
census for which a formal training was given by the experienced forest staff. The
Wildlife Census-2007 at SGNP was conducted from April 27th -30th, followed by two
days of direct sightings from a Machaan on May 2nd and 3rd.
fig no 9. Wildlife Census meeting 2007.
fig 10. Volunteer’s training for Wildlife Census.
(V) Encroachments at SGNP
Introduction
Encroachments in and around the SGNP grew gradually, as Mumbai became the
economic engine of the country. Encroachments on SGNP land began around 1970;
and have been highest in the last 20 years. The encroachments flourished earlier
due to the negligence of the Forest Department, and later due advantage seeking
politicians, land mafias and slum lords that played an important role in settling the
encroachers inside the SGNP. The mafias did it for money and politicians for their
vote bank.
List of Nagar / Padas
16
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
Sr
No
Forest area
Sr
No
1
Krishnanagri Upvan (KUP)
2
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
(SGNP)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
Name of the Pada/Nagar
Keldai Pada
Raval Pada
Dam Pada
Nava Pada
Thakur Pada (shifted)
Ranjini Pada
Teen Murthy Pada
Malsaya cha Pada
Chinch Pada
Tumni Pada
Chuna Pada
Ketki Pada(Dharkhadi)
Janu Pada
Bhim Nagar
Lahu Gadh
Gandhi Nagar
Gautam Nagar
Satara Camp
Kranti Nagar
Sahyadri Nagar
Damu Nagar
Savitri bai Phule Nagar
Adivasi Nagar
Appa Pada
Anand Nagar (Durga Chawl)
Appa Pada (cutting no 10)
Ambedkar Nagar
Jamrishi Nagar
Wageshwari Nagar waiseth pada no 1
&2
Sanjay Nagar
Pal Nagar
Bajrangi Pada
Azad Nagar
Pimpri Pada
Matangadh
Sai Bangoda
Vihar Ultan Pada
Mulund Dargha
Famous Garage Palas Pada
Amar Nagar
Shankar Tekdi
Rahul Nagar
17
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
3
Yeur Range
43
43(a)
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
Ganesh Pada
Panchsheel Nagar
Hanuman Pada
Ghati Pada
Ghodbunder
Maschaa cha Pada
Gaimukh
Paankhanda
Kesri pada
Nava Pada
Kokni Pada
Indira Nagar
Karvalo Nagar
Ram Nagar
Junagaon
Kailash Nagar
Warli Pada
fig no 11. Encroachments are still mushrooming in Yeur Hills
Legal action
18
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
In early 1995, the Bombay Environmental Action Group initiated an independent
legal action against the encroachers in the SGNP and filled a petition against the
encroachments. In a landmark judgement on May 7, 1997 the court directed the
removal of all the encroachments; the main directives being:
• BMC should not issue permission for any commercial or industrial activity
within the Park limits; cancel all the earlier sanctioned registrations and
demolish them within one year
• Eligible encroachers should be relocated
• The Forest Department should prepare a boundary map of SGNP
• A boundary wall should be built with watchtowers around the entire periphery
of the SGNP
Demolition
• The number of huts estimated by FD was near about 61,000
• Official demolitions started in October 1997 and continued till 2000, and by
the end of 2001 around 49,000 huts were demolished
• The number of illegal huts in the SGNP is more than 12,000. In some parts
the encroachers have returned and continue living in temporary shanties
Relocation
In SGNP, according to the Forest Department, there are around 33,000 encroachers
eligible for relocation. The eligibility criteria is based on proofs like they were residing
in SGNP prior to 1995, should be listed in the electoral list, and hold documents like
a ration card and electricity and water bill.
• The eligible encroachers were asked to contribute Rs. 7000/- for the
relocation project
• So far, only 12,000 encroachers have paid the amount to the Forest
Department, this is less than 50% of the eligible encroachers.
• The relocation sites at Kalyan and Murbad have been rejected by the eligible
encroachers, the reasons being that their workplaces are far off, also the
locals of Kalyan protested about the invasion of slum dwellers in to their area
as they would lose livelihood and their grazing grounds for cattle.
• NHSS – a human rights lobby along with a commercial builder developed a
rehabilitation site at Chandivali
• Till date 3,400 people have been given the keys and likely to take custody of
the flats
Status of Boundary wall
19
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
As per the court directives a boundary wall is to be built along the entire periphery of
the SGNP; present status of the wall:
• Proposed length of boundary wall (32.5 km)
• Construction of wall completed (13 km)
• Yet to be constructed (19.5 km)
Agricultural encroachments
In SGNP villages such as, Kokni Pada, Paan Khanda, Kesri pada, Belkadi Pada
have encroached forest land and practise agriculture they receive complete support
of the Adivasi Sanghatnas. Paddy is the main crop here, but Jatropa is now being
promoted actively by the Adivasi Sanghatna at Rs. 4/- per sapling the plant is
introduced this year in the Yeur Hills Range, and other areas. The villagers have
been assured that the plant will bear fruits after three years. An immediate detailed
documentation and study is needed to assess the ecological impact and loss to
forest land due to cultivation of Jatropa.
fig no 12 &13. Agricultural encroachments in Yeur Hills
Religious Encroachments
(Present status of illegal Temples / Ashrams in Yeur Hills)
Gangeshwar Mahadev Mandir (Ram nagar)
Gangeswar Mahadev Mandir location (N 19˚ 19.854' E 072˚ 93.561’) is 158 m above
msl towards the eastern flank of SGNP; it is situated in the Yeur Range hills of
Thane division in the Ramnagar Wagle Estate. Until about 6-7 years back the temple
was a small structure of mud and concrete with a tiny hut – a shelter for the baba,
but now the entire scenario has changed. There are four concrete sheds now, the
small hut is now huge and of concrete, and fitted with iron grills. There is a cowshed
with more than 20 cows; another structure – a mandir – is utilized by the baba as a
store room for fodder for the livestock. The small temple is now huge with a 12-15
feet path, which was just a small trail road and expansion of the same is carried out
every year leading to it, a stream has also been diverted. The 4-5 water holes in the
20
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
area are now strictly utilized by the temple authorities for their personal use of which
one is completely sealed and is converted in to private well with concrete borders.
fig no14. Complex of Gangeshwar mandir
fig no 15. Temple used to stock fodder for cows
fig no 16. Mata ka mandir
Another temple, Mata ka Mandir is about 2-3 year old. A recent field visit to the site
indicates that activities of the temple are growing steadily. The Forest Department of
Yeur Range have been informed about the new temple and the developments of the
last two years, the assurance of a quick and strict action against the offenders is yet
a distant reality.
21
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
Swayambhu Amarnath Mahadev Mandir (Shree Nagar)
This temple was a tiny structure with a mud wall and a tin sheet as roof top,
occupying an area of 10 x 10 feet on a hill top in Shree Nagar, Wagle Estate, Thane
with a small foot trail leading to the temple, but in the past 7-8 years not only was the
Mandir concretised but an ashram was constructed nearby. A Samadhi of a young
boy lies in the premises of ashram, the foot trail leading to the temple is now c. 10-15
feet and the hill, which was beautiful, is now denuded and degraded. The baba has
all modern facilities like telephone, electricity and water connection. He even gets a
pension as he is retired as a peon from Municipality school, which suffices his
needs. There is heavy revenue generated during Mahashivratri festival with more
than 30-40 thousand visitors coming to the ashram, this baba claims to own the
entire hillock, which is not true, and the activities carried out by the baba are clear
violation of Forest Conservation Act
Ayyapa Temple
Below Swayambhu Amarnath Mahadev Mandir is Ayyapa temple and is encroached
partly on the forest land. The temple complex houses a two storey building, which is
a marriage hall, and resident of priests and others
(VI) Issues of SGNP
Forest fires
The most affected areas of the SGNP are Yeur Range hills and Ghodbunder. All
these hills are burnt continuously every year from end December, the activity peaks
during summer, i.e. January-May with fires reaching up to Tulsi lake and other cores
areas of the SGNP. Almost every exposed area of the SGNP is vulnerable to forest
fires. The ecological damage as a result of forest fires has never been estimated, as
it is not practical, but it must be severe. Human interference throughout the Park
areas, mainly local encroachers and picnickers, as there is no boundary wall, makes
the situation difficult. Insufficient work force and infrastructure adds to the problem;
the Forest Department cannot be blamed as most of fires are lit up late in the
evening and the steep terrain of the hills makes the task of extinguishing the fires
more difficult. During January-May 2007, 45 incidents of forest fires were reported;
the fire damaged 95 hectares which is amounted as a loss calculated by the FD of
Rupees 63,587/-.
The City Forest Project will include an awareness programme on forest fires in the
most sensitive areas identified during (refer map) it’s Leopard Awareness
Campaigns in 2007. In the peripheral areas, initially a verbal interaction will be made
with the locals and later with availability of funds full fledged campaigns will be
conducted in SGNP.
22
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
23
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
Grazing
Grazing livestock was noticed mostly on the fringes of the SGNP around illegal
settlements; the problem was most severe in Yeur Range Hills, Besides grazing,
cutting of grass is actively carried out during monsoon and lasts till January;
professional grass cutters are active in these areas. The Forest Department has set
no regulation for grazing within the boundary of SGNP.
fig no 17. Grazing in SGNP
Landslides
The torrential rains of July 26, 2005 had a tremendous impact on the topography of
SGNP. Heavy landslides, hundreds of uprooted trees, severe ecological damage to
the flora and fauna were common through the SGNP; the most effected were Yeur
Range hills. A detailed documentation of the effected areas in the SGNP should be
undertaken to assess the impact.
fig no 18. Land slides in SGNP (Yeur Range)
24
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
Tree Felling
Tree felling is active in Yeur range hills and Nagla block. Trees are felled very
systematically trees and also branches are cut then left to dry and later taken away,
felling being extensive during the monsoon as locals residing along the periphery of
the Park collect fuel wood and stock it; the activity goes unnoticed as the forest is
thick during this season. Boats used for patrolling to check illicit felling in Nagla block
are out of order for a long time, and the lowered levels of vigilance has lead to
massive tree felling in Nagla block, c. 80-100 head loads are taken away from the
Yeur range hills to adivasi pockets of Janu pada, adivasi pada, Sai bangoda , Vihar
ultan pada, Nimboni Pada Kalma cha ponda in SGNP regular during drier months;
the collected wood is taken to markets nearby for selling.
Illicit liquor making
The forests of SGNP have been the major source of illicit liquor production in the
past, but after the Government banned the production and sale of illicit liquor the FD
appeared to take action. The ban in this case also appears to be on paper as the
production of illicit liquor continues in the Yeur hills, the areas involved are the warli
pada Ramnagar Junagaon. These bhattis are scattered all over the forest area of
SGNP. In the forest around Goregaon the activity is carried out by the notorious
residents of Sai Bangoda Ultan pada and Habale pada. SGNP does not have liquor
production on a large scale, but the bhattis – illicit breweries – are still active. The
wood is taken from the forests for use in the bhattis for making liquor. The Forest
Department needs to maintain checking areas on regular basis where illicit liquor is
made.
fig no 19.
Local’s carrying head loads of liquor and wood Yeur Range
25
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
(VIII) Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Introduction
TWLS lies in the Vasai and Bhiwandi talukas in Thane district, the Sanctuary lies
between 19° 17'-19° 28' N and 72° 52'-73° E. It was a tenacious and persistent
follow up by the BNHS with the Government of Maharsahtra and Forest Department
along with BEAG, October 24, 2003, 8,570 hectares or (85.7 sq. km) of
Tungareshwar reserved land was declared, via Gazette Notification No.WLP.1002
/CR-47/F-1, as TWLS. An additional 10 sq. km of reserved forest was recently added
as a restoration zone so the total notified forest area of TWLS is now about 95.70 sq.
km.
The Sanctuary protects the two water catchments that supply water to Vasai and
Nallsopara. Leopard is the main predator of the Sanctuary. The main problems that
plague TWLS are religious, agricultural, commercial and residential encroachments
in the Sanctuary, if not nipped in time this bud may flower and flourish like it has in
the neighbouring SGNP.
fig no 20. Complex of Sadanand baba in TWLS
Encroachments (Religious encroachments)
Balyogi Sadanand Ashram is situated on reserve forest land S. N. 121/Compartment
no 1082 and occupies more than 0.69 ha of forest land illegally. 4-5 complex
structures, an ayurvedic medicine centre, Prayer hall, 2 temples one temple half built
the ayurevdic centre where the medicines are manufactured, in all probabilities the
raw material for these medicines should be the forest. The baba has constructed a
four metre motorable road from Parol village to the Mandir and to his ashram. This
activity has been carried out silently for two decades now; the road from Parol to the
Sadanand ashram is maintained every year.
26
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
Mahashivratri 2007
The TWLS has an ancient Tungareshwar Mahadev Mandir which is visited by lakhs
of pilgrims during Mahashivratri, if not controlled this can severely impact the
ecological balance. This year the inflow of devotees started from 14th morning and
gradually increased through the midnight of 15th, the heavy influx from early morning
hours lasted till 7:00 p.m. Hawkers had arrived there a day prior to Mahashivratri.
This year the Forest Department did not restrict the hawkers and they were allowed
to put up stalls in the Sanctuary. This should be stopped as it creates garbage and
nuisance, and a Mela kind of an atmosphere in the Sanctuary. More than 2-3 lakh
visitors visited the Sanctuary this year. The entry of vehicles, to the Tungareshwar
temple, was restricted from the entrance gate from Sativli onwards. The Forest
Department had also restricted the entry of the vehicles, but only entry to the public
from Parol gate up to the Sadanand ashram was allowed. Some private vehicles
belonging to the trust of the Tungareshwar temple, Police and Forest department
were allowed to ply up to the Tungareshwar temple. Entry to the Sadanand baba
Ashram from the Tungareshwar temple was restricted, more than 1000 people trying
to go to the Ashram from Tungareshwar temple were sent back, but after strong
pressures from Sadanand Baba we had to allow the devotees through at around
4:00 p.m., fortunately the crowd had diminished by then.
fig no 21 & 22. Visitors in TWLS during the Mahashivratri Festival 2007
Plastics were confiscated from the hawkers inside the Sanctuary; a group of
volunteers were stationed on the gates to check the visitors restricting them from
carrying plastics inside the Sanctuary. An Indian Black Cobra (Naja naja) was
confiscated from a snake charmer and handed over to the Forest Department.
Further nuisance was caused due to the bhajans and kirtans and 3-4 pandals
offering free snacks in plastics cups, which were carelessly discarded by the visitors
despite our request to pick them up, the Sanctuary, was covered with plastic litter by
night.
27
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
28
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
Two incidents of forest fires were reported, but these were controlled with the help of
the Forest Department. The influx of the crowd had reduced by 8:30 p.m.; the festival
ended peacefully this year.
Apart from Mahashivratri, Tungareshwar Temple being an ancient temple of Lord
Shiva and Balyogi Sadanand Baba Ashram are visited by a large number of
devotees and picnickers throughout the year, creating a heavy biotic interference.
The activities at Tungareshwar WLS were under control due to our well managed
joint action plan this year. The Forest and Police departments were very co-operative
and so were the locals.
Issues of TWLS
Agricultural encroachments
Present status
Agricultural encroachment is a major problem of Tungareshwar; more than 400
hundred hectares of forest land is encroached in TWLS. Adivasi sanghatna leaders
Vivek Pandit and Vidulata Pandit are supporting the encroachers by taking
advantage of Government policies. The forest land is cultivated by the villagers of
Juchandra, Sativli, Parol and Tungar – villages along the periphery of the Sanctuary.
The villagers practise shifting cultivation. Jatropa, is vigorously planted in this area.
At some places the villagers built their houses in the forest area; the crop grown here
is paddy and vegetables.
fig no 23. Agricultural encroachments in TWLS
29
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
Mining, quarrying and brick kilns
The Kharbhav Chinchoti road passing along the TWLS has active quarrying
operations; a large number of trees in the reserve forest of Kharbhav were cut off.
The entire road side is full of brick making kilns of which some operate very close to
the hills in the Sanctuary. In many places the soil for making bricks was taken from
the hills.
fig no 24. Quarrying on the hills close to TWLS
In Naglagaon stone quarrying is carried out on the Nagla dongar (Hill), which is a
part of the reserve forest. A kuccha road has been built to transport the stones out of
this area. Quarrying and mining activities are carried out in the reserve forest of Paye
bramhan pada and Naik pada This quarry is operative in a reserve forest area, which
is a clear violation of the Forest Conservation Act 1980. On the northern entrance of
Tungareshwar mandir from Sativli an active quarry is fully operational. An active
quarry was seen before the Parol Entrance. All quarries whether within or outside
boundaries of the Sanctuary have to be checked, as they could have a devastating
impact on the wildlife and habitats of the Sanctuary.
30
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
fig no 25. Brick kilns on Kharbhav Chinchoti Road
Boundary demarcation of TWLS
There are 24 villages in TWLS that are absent from the Survey of India topo sheets,
the boundaries as shown on the (SOI) topo sheets are erroneous; many areas
shown on the topo sheets are disputed. Demarcation of boundaries is a major
problem as the protected forest are scattered and surrounded with private areas.
The Forest department needs to initiate a survey and start demarcating the
boundaries of TWLS.
The Draft Management Plan of TWLS has been sanctioned and funds are on the
way according to the FD; the first priority would be to demarcate the boundaries of
TWLS. The protected forest and disputed notified forest will be demarcated by
Taluka Land Record Surveyor and cement pillars will be erected on forest
boundaries
The FD has previously marked the boundaries using Buruj – pile of rocks – a total of
around 1300-1400 burujs out of which 30-40% are missing or tampered intentionally.
Most of the buruj are untraceable as they were either tampered with or lost due to
various reasons. A rapid boundary survey and marking should be done at the
earliest to avoid future disputes.
Tree Felling
TWLS faces a severe tree felling problem and around 500 head loads taken out of
the Sanctuary per day as it is surrounded by a poor tribal population. At present
there could be a slight decrease in the figures, as the FD kept a vigil and control on
tree felling but the problem remains unchanged. The wood taken out from TWLS is
mostly sold to the dhabba owners, as per observations during Project work, which
use it as fuel for cooking
31
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
fig no 26. Local’s carrying firewood from TWLS
Land slides
The widening of the roads undertaken by the Sadanand Baba Ashram has loosened
the top soil in the area resulting in the uprooting of a large number of trees every
year during the monsoon. Tungareshwar suffered enormous landslides during the
monsoon of 2005, which can be mainly attributed to road construction and ongoing
maintenance of these roads leading to the Ashram.
fig no 27. Heavy land slides in TWLS
32
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
Main threats to TWLS
•
•
•
•
Destruction of forest habitats, due to encroachment for cultivation, forest fires
and illicit felling of trees’
Disturbance by unauthorised ashrams
Disturbance caused by mining activity along the periphery of the Sanctuary
Insufficient prey leading to the dispersal of Leopards outside the forest areas
and finally being killed by speeding vehicles, falling into wells, and direct
confrontation with humans
33
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
News paper article
34
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
35
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
36
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
37
City Forests
Bombay Natural History Society
ANNEXURE-1
Sr
No
Name of the Nagar/Pada
Name of the Nagar/Pada
1
2
Chuna pada
Janu pada
23
24
Amar Nagar (gurkha- chawl)
Amar Nagar
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Adivasi pada & Bhata cha pani
Talay pada
Malay pada
Chinch pada
Tumni pada
Ranjini pada
Nava pada
Gautam nagar
Kalmacha ponda
Nimboni pada
Bhatungli pada
Appa pada
Kokni pada
Patanopada
Yeur village
Hanuman nagar
Ram nagar
Juna gao
Warli pada
Palas pada
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
Shankar Tekdi
Rahul Nagar
Ganesh Pada
Panchsheel Nagar
Adivasi nagar
Adivasi nagar (dutt chawl)
Matangadh
Sai-Bangoda
Vihar (Ultan pada)
Dachkul pada
Maskar pada
Mashacha pada
Babli chi bhat no 2
Patil pada
Belkadi pada
Kasheli pada
Kesri pada
Ovala takarda
Paankhanda
Devipada
BIBLIOGRAPHY
•
Source: Forest Department Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Mumbai)
•
Draft Management Plan of Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
38