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Mumbai: Hindu pilgrims visiting the ancient Kanheri Caves within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park yesterday were to undergo security checks to prevent them from carrying inflammable and non-biodegradable products like plastic that damage the forests.
After grappling with forest fires in the past and a colossal damage to the natural wealth of the park, which also meant cleaning up mounds of litter left by devotees who head to Kanheri Caves to worship on Mahashivratri festival every year, the forest department has been trying all measures to protect the park.
With about 300,000 people expected to visit the Caves situated in the heart of the park, authorities would regulate the entry of visitors by ensuring the park is open only from 7am till 4.30pm. All visitors were to enter only from one single main gate.
"These restrictions are also important for the safety of visitors since many of them stray into the park, which can be dangerous for them," says Rishikesh Chavan, Conservation Officer of the Bombay Natural History Society.
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