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History
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park area has a long written history dating
back to the 4th century BC. In ancient India, Sopoara and Kalyan were
two ports in the vicinity that traded with ancient civilisations such as
Greece and Mesopotamia. The 45 km (28 mi) land route between these two
ports was partially through this forest.
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The Kanheri Caves in the centre of the park were an important
Buddhist learning centre and pilgrimage site sculpted by Buddhist
monks between pradyut sakhseria 9th and the 1st centuries BCE. They
were chiseled out of a massive basaltic rock outcropping.
The park was named 'Krishnagiri National Park' in the
pre-independence era. At that time the area of the park was only
20.26 km2 (7.82 sq mi). In 1969, the park was expanded to its
present size by acquiring various reserve forest properties
adjoining the park.
After this, an independent unit of the Forest Department called 'Borivali
National Park Sub-division' administered the area. Krishnagiri
National Park was created in 1974 and later renamed as 'Borivali
National Park'. In 1981, it was re-dedicated as 'Sanjay Gandhi
National Park' in memory of Sanjay Gandhi, the son of ex Prime
Minister of India Indira Gandhi, who was killed in an air-crash in
1980. |
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Geography
The park is nestled in the hill ranges to the east of the suburb of
Borivali. 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
city. The park and these areas surrounding it are all part of the Mumbai
metropolitan area.
The region is hilly with elevations between 30 m (98 ft) and 480 m
(1,570 ft). The Park encompasses two lakes, Vihar Lake and Tulsi Lake,
which meet part of the city's water requirements. The park is said to be
the lungs of the city as it purifies much of the air pollution of the
city.
Biodiversity
The park is a bustling forest, with an estimated 800 types of mauve.
This flower is native to the park and the surrounding regions, including
Karnala, the Yeoor Hills, Tungareshwar and some parts of Goregaon’s Film
City. The park is also home to a small population of leopards.
Wildlife
The park is home to a number of endangered species of flora and fauna.
The forest area of the Park houses over 1000 plant species, 251 species
of migratory, land and water birds, 50,000 species of insects, 40
species of mammals. In addition, the Park also provides shelter to 38
species of reptiles, 9 species of amphibians and also 150 species of
butterflies and a large variety of fish.
Flora: Kadamba, teak, karanj, shisam, and species of acacia,
ziziphus, euphorbia, flame of the forest, red silk cotton and a number
of other varieties of flowers. Karvi or Karvy, a flowering plant that
flowers once in seven years, can be found in the Park.
Fauna: The forest cover in the park helps provide the ideal
habitat for many wild animals. Chital (or spotted deer), Rhesus Macaque
and Bonnet Macaque are some of the wild mammals that can easily be
spotted roaming inside the park. Other large mammals found in the park
are: Black Naped or Indian Hare, Muntjac (Barking Deer), Porcupine,
Asian Palm Civet, Chevrotain (Mouse Deer), Hanuman or grey langur,
Indian Flying-fox, Sambar Deer and Leopard. One can also spot hyena or
four-horned antelope.
Reptiles living here include: crocodiles in the Tulsi Lake, pythons,
cobras, monitor lizards, Russell's Vipers, Bamboo Pit Viper and
Ceylonese Cat Snakes.
Butterflies Total 172 species of butterflies has been reported here, of
which the spectacular ones are Blue Mormon, the phenomenal artist of
camouflage the Blue Oak leaf, the bright jezebels and Large Yellow and
White Orange tips, Tigers, Eggflies and Sailers.
Avian-Fauna: Some of the birds one may see in the park are:
Jungle Owlets, golden orioles, racket-tailed drongos, minivets, magpies,
robins, hornbills, bulbuls, sunbirds, peacock, and woodpeckers.
Migratory and local birds such as paradise flycatcher and various
species of kingfishers, mynas, drongos, swifts, gulls, egrets, and
herons have also been spotted.
Tourism
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Sanjay Gandhi National Park is said to be one of the most visited
National Parks in Asia. According to estimates, around 2 million
visitors visit this park annually. Collection at the gates in
November 2004 touched 9.8 million (US$160,000). The Krishnagiri
Upavan is an area of approximately 5.5 km2 (2.12 sq mi) reserved as
an easily accessible public recreation zone inside the park. The
remaining core area has restricted access. Among the several
attractions of the Krishnagiri Upavan is a mini-zoo where visitors
can view animals up close. There is a crocodile park where one can
easily view different sizes of these reptiles all at one place. The
lion and tiger safaris educate and guide visitors through the
natural habitats of these animals.
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A
narrow gauge train travels around the tourist zone showcasing parts of
the rich biodiversity. There a boating facility where visitors can rent
a two person pedal-powered boat for Rs. 15 per 15 minute.
Many
visitors also travel to the Kanheri Caves, especially on an auspicious
day in August. Nature trails and treks are also popular. Rock climbing
enthusiasts often come to national park. Many rock faces around the
National Park and the Kanheri Caves offer a great opportunity for rock
climbers.
Sources: Wikipedia
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