India, Oct. 9 -- The future of thousands of tribals living in and around the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) hangs in limbo as they grapple with the draft zonal master plan (ZMP), which will regulate land use and development within the urban forest's eco-sensitive zone (ESZ). A major hurdle for the forest dwellers: the 300-page master plan was released only in English.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) unveiled the draft ZMP on September 10, in line with the Union environment ministry's ESZ notification of 2016. The master plan aims to document, preserve, and regulate development across Mumbai's green belt, covering SGNP, Yeoor Hills, and Aarey Colony. The civic body then invited citizens to submit suggestions and objection...