Mumbai: SGNP tribals on Wednesday held a protest outside the national park to protest a demolition notice put up by forest officials.Sunil Kawle of Dam Pada said their objection was to the forest division terming them “encroachers” when they have been living there for generations. Mohan Sonawane, state secretary, Rashtriya Adivasi Ekta Manch, said they will write to National Scheduled Tribes Commission seeking intervention. Bombay HC is currently hearing a PIL to implement all its previous orders to make the national park free of encroachments and rehabilitate eligible encroachers. Anita Patil, director and conservator of forests, SGNP, said action is being taken as per the order of a court-appointed high-power committee. “It learnt that a number of people who had been allotted tenements at Chandivli in phase I have returned. It directed that the structures of these people be demolished.” There are 347 structures in south division (Borivli) and three in north (Yeoor). “No other dwelling unit will be touched,” said an official. Sources said many of those who returned placed their flats on rent. “They did not object to being allotted tenements at Chandivli nor have they surrendered the tenement,” said a source. The notice names these people. The housing department is currently conducting a survey of those residing on park land. It will be completed by Feb. The preliminary eligibility will be decided by two separate committees, one for north division and the other for south. The final decision on eligibility will be taken by the director and conservator of forests, SGNP.
