Sanjay Gandhi National Park
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The Borivali National Park, also known as Sanjay Gandhi National Park, is a rare National Park that lies within city limits. The park lies on the northern fringes of suburban Mumbai, India. It encompasses an area of 104 sq km and is surrounded on three sides by one of the world’s most populous cities. It is possibly one of Asia’s most visited National Parks with 2 million annual visitors.
Within the Park, the ancient Kanheri Caves dating back 2,400 years were sculpted out of the rocky cliffs. The park has a rich flora and fauna.
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History
The park dates back to the 4thc. BC. Sopara and Kalyan were two ports in the vicinity that traded with ancient lands such as Greece and Mesopotamia. The routes between these two ports cut through this forest. The Park was named Krishnagiri National Park in the pre-independence era. In 1969, the Park enclosed 20.26 sq km. After that various properties lining the park were acquired to get the present area. A separate forest division was created under the Indian Forest Service department, and the Park was christened Borivli National Park after the nearby Borivali area. In 1981, the name was changed to Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Kanheri Caves
The Kanheri Caves are a protected archaeological site. The caves were sculpted by Buddhist residents. The area was actually a settlement and once served as inns for travellers. The word Kanheri comes from the Sanskrit word Krishnagiri which means Black Mountain.
Geography
The park is located in the suburbs of Mumbai. It occupies most of the northern suburbs. To the west lie the townships of Goregaon, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali and Dahisar. To the east lie the townships of Bhandup and Mulund. To the south lies the Aarey Milk Colony. The northern reaches of this forest lie in Thane district.
The region is hilly with a maximum height of about 400 m. The Park encompasses two lakes, Vihar Lake and Tulsi Lake, which meet part of the city’s water requirements. Temperature in the park is a good 4 °C lower than the surrounding city. The park is said to be the lungs of the city as it purifies most of the pollution over the city.
Biodiversity
The park is a bustling forest. An estimated 800 types of flowering plants; 284 kinds of birds; 5,000 species of insects; 36 types of mammals; 50 reptiles and 150 species of butterfly (which are 2.5 times the number found in the United Kingdom) call the forest their home.
The park has also many endangered species of plant and animal. The world largest moth, the Atlas moth, was discovered here. Karvi, a flowering plant, blooms once in 7 years, carpeting the slopes with a shade of mauve. In 2003, pug marks and droppings of a tiger were found in this region. Although the tiger was never spotted, it did bring some excitement to city folks as the last tiger was shot down 80 years earlier.
Tourism
A small section of the park is open to the public. A mini zoo was also created so that visitors can view the animals from afar. A safari also guides and educates visitors on the natural habitats of these animals. A now-defunct toy train used to travel around the tourist zone showcasing parts of the rich biodiversity. Many visitors do also travel to the Kanheri Caves, especially on an auspicious day in August. Nature trails and treks are also popular with some leading you to the Highest Point trail, the highest point in the city, to take a panoramic view of the city.
Collection at the gates in November 2004 touched Rs 98 lakh (9.8 million rupees) . Other recreation spots include a boating facility in the recreation zone of Krishnagiri in Borivali.
Vanrani
The Park also featured a toy train that runs on a narrow gauge rail line. The toy train Vanrani, which means Jungle Queen, ran for around twenty-five years before it was discontinued in 2001 because of the pathetic condition of the track. The circuitous route covers a 2.5 kilometre long distance parallel to the road leading to the Kanheri Caves. However in 2004, fresh bids were announced for the repair of the track, which was estimated to cost around Rs 30 lakh (3 million). The train is scheduled to be reopened on March 21, 2005. Tickets would be priced at Rs 10 for adults and 5 for children.
Taramati Temple
One can find Taramati Temple on the top of the mountain towards Mulund. It is a nice and calm place.
Problems
The conflict between man and nature is strongly reflected in the park happenings. In the early 1970s a road, as proposed, would have cut through the park. Naturalist Humayun Ali went to court to halt this project.
The lack of space in Mumbai has pushed residential colonies right up to the park boundary. This boundary is poorly fenced and has often allowed wild animals into human habitats. Illegal slums have also mushroomed around the park causing all sorts of problems.
In June 2004, leopards were responsible for the deaths of 20 humans within the span of a week. This was not the first attack though. For the past 10 years there have been attacks attributed to leopards and panthers stalking children and adults outside the park fringes. After an outcry was raised and the situation reached alarming proportions, 8 leopards were caught and relocated.
Reference
Parts of the article referred to from the Times of India (http://www.timesofindia.com) article dated July 5, 2004Template:Mumbai, Attractions and Landmarks