The Sanjay Gandhi National Park area has a long history dating back to the 4th century BC. In ancient India, Sopoara and Kalyan were two ports in the vicinity that traded with ancient civilizations such as Greece and Mesopotamia. The 45 km (28 mi) land route between these two ports was partially through this forest. The Kanheri Caves in the center of the park were an important Buddhist learning center and pilgrimage site sculpted by Buddhist monks between 9th and 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 sq. km (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.
- 1870
●
- 1942
●
- 1950
●
- 1968
●
- 1981
●
Vihar and Tulsi lakes were constructed by the British government to supply drinking water to Mumbai city.
Credit : Dr. Anish Andheria
The Bombay Municipal Corporation acquired the catchment areas of these two lakes and also added the land from the government dairy of Aarey to protect it.
Credit: P R Masurkar
The Krishnagiri National Park, covering an area of about 20 sq km was established under the Bombay National Park Act.
Credit : Dr. Anish Andheria
An area of 68.27 sq.km. was declared formally as the Borivali National Park.
Credit: P R Masurkar
Borivli National Park was re-named Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and was subsequently couled with more forests from the Thane division to make the 103.84 sq.km. of SGNP known today.
Credit: P R Masurkar
Previous Next