After mid-day shed light on illegal taxis being operated in Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), a senior official from the Maharashtra forest department told the national park’s administrators to crack down on such practices.
A senior official from the department said, “We have ordered that all these taxis [vehicles illegally ferrying passengers] be stopped immediately. We are in the process of procuring electric vehicles run by SGNP, which will take around 10-15 days. These illegal taxis will not be allowed to endanger the park.” Sources from SGNP also told this newspaper that the park administration has taken a serious note of mid-day’s article and instructions have been given to not allow any private vehicles to illegally ferry passengers inside the park.
The remains of an illegal taxi cab that went up in flames in the national park on September 5. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
On September 8, mid-day highlighted how the problem of unregulated private cars illegally ferrying passengers inside SGNP shows no signs of ending. Three days earlier, a CNG vehicle used for such trips had caught fire, though fortunately, no passengers were inside. On September 13, 2024, this newspaper published an exclusive story revealing that over 30 makeshift taxis, owned by residents of hamlets within SGNP, were operating despite a ban on private four-wheelers. These vehicles were transporting tourists from the main gate to Kanheri caves, sometimes at dangerous speeds, raising serious concerns among environmentalists and wildlife conservationists.
The Bombay High Court, in its May 7, 1997 order (W.P. No. 305/1995), had explicitly prohibited taxis and autorickshaws from entering SGNP to protect its ecological balance. Sources from the park confirmed that the vehicles currently operating in the park are unauthorised, uncertified, and unsafe.
Tourists have frequently complained of harassment by these operators, who charge Rs 50 to Rs 60 per person for a one-way trip to Kanheri caves. Since the pandemic, private vehicles have been banned inside the park, but sources allege that an influential local politician has been pressuring the SGNP administration not to act against violators, as these vehicle owners form a key vote bank.
Environmentalist Stalin D said, “Despite complaining about the menace of illegal taxis and speeding inside SGNP, no action has been initiated. It is time senior officials tackled the threats and nuisance happening under their noses in SGNP. We are waiting for a disaster and a knee-jerk reaction, instead of a proper monitoring system. Coming on the heels of the recent illegal mob incursions into the park, this accident could have been avoided if proper steps had been taken. Emergency fire response vehicles are also needed inside the park.”
Rs 50-Rs 60
Fare illegal vehicle drivers charge each visitor for making one-way trip to Kanheri caves
