ETW Staff– Mumbai
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sanjay Gandhi Ntional Park (SGNP) for a period of five years which will facilitate battery operated vehicles for tourists to travel within the expanse of the national park.
The park, which encompasses the famous Kanheri Cave complex built between 1st century BC and 9th century AD, and has two lakes Tulsi and Vihar that provide water to Mumbai city, has been a major attraction for tourists for its diverse flora and fauna including a few tigers.
According to the agreement, SGNP shall assign development rights for development of the existing facilities and new facilities for battery operated vehicles to MTDC. The operation and maintenance of existing facilities will be done by SGNP. While operation and maintenance of battery operated vehicles and related new facilities will be done by MTDC.
The MoU has been signed under conditions to adhere to various provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. Indian Forest Act 1927 and Forest Conservation Act, 1980 among others to ensure that the only tropical semi-evergreen forest in the metropolis is preserved.
