The presence of over 30 makeshift taxis owned by residents of hamlets within Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), where private four-wheelers are banned, has environmentalists and wildlife conservationists up in arms. The vehicles, used to transport tourists from the main gate to Kanheri Caves, are often driven at high speeds, prompting calls for stricter regulations.

While the residents of hamlets claim ferrying tourists is their only livelihood, a wildlife lover who recently visited the park and travelled in the private vehicle up to Kanheri caves, said, “I was surprised to see private vehicles plying inside SGNP  as they are not allowed there. Hence, I decided to take a ride. My driver failed to follow speed restrictions, posing a risk not only to people but also to wildlife.