SGNP is an outdoor museum that preserves and nurtures the varied flora and fauna of the area. This rich and diverse forest is home to more than 1000 species of plants, 40 species of mammals, 251 species of birds - migratory, and and water birds, 38 species of reptiles, 9 species of amphibians besides a large variety of fish, insects and other life forms.

The park is one of the few, perhaps even the only one of its kind, that is surrounded by a metropolis and sustaining a sizeable population of big cat-like Panthers. Panthers are, in fact, the largest predators that roam this forest and can easily be spotted after dark, and in the hot summer months even in the afternoons as they emerge for a drink of water. Several other animals like Sambar (the largest deer in

India), Spotted Deer, Chowsingha (4 horned antelope), Wild Boar, Mongoose, Civet Cat, Jungle Cat, Langurs (leaf monkeys) Macques and Peacocks may also be often encountered. Bird and insect life (especially several kinds of butterflies) thrives within the park, making it a naturalists paradise. Rocks and hills near the KanheriCaves - a 1000 year old marvel of archeology in the heartof the park - also provide ideal spots for rock climbers and nature lovers.

 A dense population of trees and luxuriant plant life contribute to the lush and invigorating surroundings. Teak, Khair, Vad, Peepal, Umbar, Neem, Karanj and hundreds of other trees, bushes, creepers and fruit trees like Mango, Jambhul etc. grow here. Besides, the 20 km. long Thane-Bassin creek which passes through the forest is full of rich mangroves on both sides of the creek. The Tulsi and Vihar lakes situated within the park are major sources of water supply to Mumbai and Thane.

The lungs of the city

The thick forest cover of the park naturally renders an invaluable service of helping lower pollution levels in the city by supplying fresh oxygen and acting as a sink. By serving as a huge natural generator of life-sustaining oxygen, the National Park meets the need of the habitants of the region, more specifically, the twin cities of Thane and Mumbai.

Besides, the forest also constitutes an excellent catchment area for the Tulsi and Vihar lakes. If Mumbai has been saved from severe water shortages, it is largely due to the fact that these two lakes that lie within the park precincts meet 5% or more of the city's water supply needs. Mumbai, then, must always remain indebted to this unique natural heritage and protect it at all costs.

The last resort

The SanjayGandhiNational Park is situated between the Eastern and Western Express Highways and can be accessed from Thane, Mulund, Borivili and other places, though its headquarters are on the Borivili side. Most of the park is, however, unfenced and unprotected - thus falling easy prey to encroachers and land grabbers.

Till the not very distant past, the park was the proud home ground for a wide range of flora and fauna. But nowadays, it has gradually begun to become denuded and barren from all sides, due in large measure to the greed of land grabbers, unauthorized wood cutters, poachers and enemies of our natural resources and national wealth. The revival process is slow and adversely affected by the lack of motivation and inadequacy of resources on the part of the official machinery on the one hand, and the ignorance, indifference and basic inertia of the people on the other.

The fact remains, that if not saved from destructive forces in time, the park will be lost forever. And with it, its various inhabitants will not only be left without shelter, but will also face the risk of extinction. The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is the city's last surviving sanctuary of hope. We cannot afford to let it be threatened.

End-of-Documents