Following viral videos showing large groups entering Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and taking a dip in the river, allegedly disturbing its flora and fauna, two environmentalists have written to the Maharashtra Forest Department, questioning how crowds were allowed in on a Monday, when the park is closed to tourists.

Environmentalist Stalin D from NGO Vanashakti has addressed his letter to the Maharashtra Forest Department, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Director of SGNP, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife West), and the Principal Secretary of the department. Environmentalist Rohit Joshi and the Yeoor Environmental Society have also written to SGNP authorities over the same issue.

In his letter, Stalin expressed “disappointment and anguish” over what he described as a rising trend of human incursions into SGNP over the past month. He alleged that mobs had invaded the park, creating a nuisance and disturbing wildlife, and shared videos and photographs of the gatherings, calling them “gross violations” of park regulations.