The Yeoor Environment Society (YES) has written to the Thane Municipal Commissioner and the Field Director of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), demanding immediate action against wedding halls and lawns operating illegally within the Yeoor Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).
YES President and environmentalist Joshi said in the letter that these establishments continue to operate despite clear legal prohibitions under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act. The operations also violate a Bombay High Court directive in PIL No. 102/2023, which mandates demolition of illegal structures and cessation of unauthorised activities within the ESZ.
Joshi highlighted the severe environmental impact caused by these illegal operations.
He pointed out to the following points-
– Disruption of nocturnal wildlife behaviour, particularly leopards and other large carnivores, due to loudspeakers and artificial lighting.
– Disturbance to nocturnal birds, insects, small mammals, and amphibians affects their reproductive and feeding cycles.
– Increased risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions from parking and traffic congestion near the forests.
– Water contamination and ecosystem disruption from dumped trash, which also habituates wildlife like monkeys and stray dogs to human presence.
– The letter also raised concerns about the impact on local adivasi communities, who face noise, congestion, and water contamination due to these activities.
– YES further criticised the authorities, stating that despite directives from the TMC and the High court, critical actions remain incomplete:
– No FIRs have been lodged against wedding farm owners under the relevant laws.
– Partial excavation has occurred, but most illegal structures remain operational.
– TMC officials allegedly responsible for negligence remain unpunished.
– The proposed inter-departmental coordination committee to protect the ecosystem has not been formed.
The activists demanded immediate action within 15 days, including:
– Lodging FIRs against all owners and operators under the MRTP Act, Environmental Protection Act, and Wildlife Protection Act.
– Ordering complete demolition and excavation of all illegal structures in the ESZ.
– Initiating disciplinary action against TMC officials responsible for enforcement failures.
– Convening an inter-departmental committee to oversee long-term ecosystem protection.
– Implementing regular monitoring mechanisms to prevent future violations.
– Issuing public notices warning against unauthorised commercial activities within the ESZ.
