A fire broke out near the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Mumbai, raising significant concerns about the safety of the region’s vegetation and wildlife. The fire occurred in the early hours of Sunday, with reports indicating that it started around 12:14 AM.
Location and Response
The fire was reported along the Gen A K Vaidya Marg, opposite Infinity IT Park in the Dindoshi area of Goregaon East, Mumbai. Upon receiving the distress call, fire tenders and Mumbai Fire Brigade teams were immediately dispatched to the site. The fire was successfully brought under control by approximately 2:35 AM.
Impact of the Fire
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the fire affected an area of about 1 to 1.5 square kilometers on a mountain slope behind the IT park. The flames primarily consumed dry leaves, herbs, shrubs, and trees in the region. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported.
Cause of the Fire
At this time, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities are investigating the incident.
Environmental Concerns
Environmentalist and wildlife habitat conservationist Stalin D expressed deep concern about the fire, suspecting it may not have been accidental. He raised alarms with the BMC, Maharashtra Forest Department, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He criticized ongoing activities in the area, such as vegetation stripping, river course alterations, spraying of toxic chemicals, and excavation of hills. Stalin D further urged authorities to arrest those responsible for the fire, calling it a deliberate act to destroy the vegetation on the Dindoshi hills.
The Importance of SGNP
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is regarded as the green lung of Mumbai, providing vital ecological services to the city. This fire incident has raised concerns about the preservation of this crucial natural resource.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Where did the fire break out in Mumbai on Sunday?
- A) Near Marine Drive
- B) Near Sanjay Gandhi National Park
- C) Near Gateway of India
- D) Near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
- At what time was the fire reported on Sunday?
- A) 10:00 AM
- B) 12:14 AM
- C) 3:00 AM
- D) 8:00 PM
- Which area was affected by the fire in Mumbai?
- A) Colaba
- B) Dindoshi in Goregaon East
- C) Andheri West
- D) Worli
- What did the fire primarily affect in the area?
- A) Residential buildings
- B) Dry leaves, herbs, shrubs, and trees
- C) Roads and infrastructure
- D) Wildlife shelters
- Who raised concerns about the fire and the ongoing activities in the area?
- A) Mumbai Fire Brigade
- B) Maharashtra Pollution Control Board
- C) Environmentalist Stalin D
- D) Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation
- What is the significance of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP)?
- A) It is a major tourist attraction in Mumbai.
- B) It is a key industrial zone.
- C) It is the green lung of Mumbai.
- D) It is a famous shopping destination.