As part of ‘GreenLine activity’ a nature trail was organized for the schools associated with ‘GreenLine’ to Sanjay Gandhi national park on 22nd August 2023. Six schools were part of the trail, three students (Jaynil Dahibavkar, Burhanuddin Motiwala and Sarvesh Kardele) and one teacher (Ms. Adelaide Pereira) from St. Xavier’s Boys’ Academy and 6 other schools had been given this opportunity by ‘Greenline’ to experience the great flora and fauna of SGNP (Sanjay Gandhi National Park). SGNP is the biggest leopard enclosure in India located in Borivali. SGNP strives to keep the leopards safe in its vast land of 103.48 sq.km. and researchers and volunteers are also striving for peaceful co-existence between animals and humans. The SGNP has a vast amount of flora and fauna enclosing 280 birds, 1400 plants, 14 amphibians, 61 reptiles, 40 mamals,150 butterflies etc. There are many ranges to explore like the Tulsi Range, Krishnagiri Range, Yeur Range, Shilonda Trail, the Nagla Block, etc.

We left from school for the park at 7:10 a.m. and reached SNGP by 8:45a.m. where we were greeted by the members of ‘GreenLine’. We were first taken to an auditorium (Information Centre) where they showed us a documentary on SGNP and the DO’s and DON’TS were explained if we spotted a leopard. After that we were taken to the start of the Shilonda trail by buggies. Our botanist guide-Ms. Kiran Sharma showed and explained to us the various, plants, insects and animal species found along the trail. Our trail ended at a river where everyone rested and had their lunch and took some photos. Then it was time to head back to the park’s entrance and we walked all the way back to the entry point. We left the park at 1:45 p.m. and reached school safely.

It was a very pleasant and informative experience to visit a forest area amidst a bustling city like Mumbai. We would like to thank our Principal - Ms. Preema Noronha for giving us the permission to go on this trail, Ms. Adelaide Pereira for accompanying us and ‘GreenLine’ for organising this fun and educative experience.

Sarvesh Kardele                         Ms. Adelaide Pereira

Class 9.2                                       Eco-Club Co-ordinator