Sanjay Gandhi National Park : Census
A recent census reveals at least 54 leopards in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, highlighting coexistence of wildlife amid urbanization and conservation efforts.
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) is a large protected area near Borivali in the northern part of Mumbai.
- It is situated partly in Thane District and in Mumbai Suburban District of Maharashtra.
- In the early days, the park was known as Krishnagiri National Park. However, in 1974 the name of this park was changed to ‘Borivali National Park’ and in 1981 to ‘Sanjay Gandhi National Park’ to pay tribute to late Indian leader Sanjay Gandhi.
- It covers an expansive area of 103 sq.km., making it one of the largest parks in the world located within city limits.
- The Kanheri caves, which are located within the park, were carved out by Buddhist monks between the 1st century CE and 10th century CE.
- The caves served as monasteries, temples, schools, and living quarters for the monks.
- They also contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art and architecture in India.
- They were chiseled out of a massive basaltic rock outcropping.
- Besides, the park also has two artificial lakes, namely Tulsi Lake and Vihar Lake. The two lakes together supply a significant amount of water to South Mumbai.
- Leopard, sambar, chital, barking deer, rusty spotted cat, hyena, common palm civet, small Indian civet, Indian crested porcupine, Indian hare, Indian flying fox, common langur, and bonnet macaque.
- The park also boasts 251 species of birds and a large variety of butterflies.
