THANE: In the wake of the devastating forest fire in Los Angeles, activists in Thane have raised alarms over the frequent fires occurring in Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and Parsik Hills. They are urging state forests minister Ganesh Naik to take immediate action to prevent a potential catastrophe.
Naik is expected to discuss the matter with activists and the forest department during his upcoming janata darbar in Thane next week. Concerns have intensified following multiple fire incidents across the mountain ranges bordering Thane city and Mumbra, with a major fire recently erupting in the Mama Bhanja Hills, visible from a great distance.
The fires pose a serious threat to sensitive areas, including the Air Force station at Yeour, and could spread to nearby urban settlements.
Activists Demand Urgent Intervention
Thane MNS functionary and activist Sandeep Pachange has written to Naik, highlighting the risks associated with these sudden and unexplained fires, particularly in the SGNP region.
“We suspect foul play and urge the minister to intervene before a major disaster unfolds. The recent forest fires in California caused massive destruction, and Thane—being close to a dense forest—is also vulnerable. We must act now to prevent a similar situation,” Pachange stated.
Fellow activist Vijay Tripathi also recently met with Minister Naik, pointing out the rampant encroachments and illegal activities in these environmentally sensitive areas. These issues, he claims, have led to the destruction of vast green spaces and damage to thousands of newly planted saplings and trees.
“I urged the minister to take immediate action, and he assured us of intervention. We need to be proactive in conserving Thane’s green cover before it’s too late,” Tripathi added.
Forest Officials Deny Foul Play
Meanwhile, forest officials have dismissed allegations of miscreant involvement and assured that their departments have been briefed on the issue. However, activists continue to demand stronger preventive measures to safeguard Thane’s forests from further devastation.
