SGNP guards to check littering by film crews

Mumbai: The Forest Department will post guards in areas of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) where film shootings are held to ensure that crews do not litter the surroundings. The decision was taken after a series of videos and images went viral on Facebook, showing a herd of spotted deer feeding on garbage near the SGNP office area on May 12.

“The trash was left behind by a Mumbai-based film shooting group. SGNP officials fined the offenders ₹5,000,” said Pawan Sharma, an animal rescue officer from Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare, and wildlife warden at Thane. Mr. Sharma got to know about the incident after being tagged on the post by Dipankar Sikder, a Mumbai-based cinematographer.

On Thursday, Mr. Sharma filed an official complaint, requesting the Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director, SGNP to initiate precautionary action. “SGNP is a plastic-free and protected area. It is the social responsibility of visitors, as well as forest authorities, to maintain its greenery and cleanliness. They should not treat this biodiversity spot as a picnic spot or shooting venue,” Mr. Sharma said. When citizens are careless, it affects wildlife, he said.

Anwar Ahmed, Director and Chief Conservator of Forests, SGNP, said he allowed the group to shoot on condition that they would not litter the park, which they agreed to. “After finishing the shoot, the group collected the garbage and went to call the garbage truck. By the time they returned, a herd of spotted deer had already reached the spot and started feeding on it,” he said.