Thane: Hundreds of citizens, trekkers and environmentalists came together Sunday morning expressing their solidarity to protect the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and the surrounding forest area from the onslaught of several infrastructure projects which they feared could adversely impact its natural and rich ecosystem.The protestors who assembled near the Chitalsar Manpada Entry point despite the heavy rains responding to an online viral campaign appealing support to the Mission Save SGNP saw the motley group of residents carrying posters and messages resonating their resolve to save the forest and displaying their resistance to any form of man-made development.“One of our prominent demands is to stop the Thane Municipal Corporation plans to convert a part of this ecologically sensitive forest into a man-made ‘Biodiversity Park’, disregarding its already thriving natural ecosystem. The eco-sensitive zone is already facing pressure from development projects like the Borivali tunnel project, Foothill road connecting Gaimukh with Mulund, several illegal structures including bungalows and resorts which can irreversibly damage its ecosystem. We are demanding this entire stretch be left untouched,” said Nishant Bangera, a participating activist.Sashi Kumar Nair from Kokanipada said the area was once considered ‘the Kashmir of Thane’ as the temperature here would be nearly 2-3 degrees less than the city due to its proximity to the SGNP.“We shudder to think the fate of this area once so many concrete structures replace the green cover and are supporting the mission to save SGNP for our future generations,” he said.Nitin Singh from a Manpada high-rise said many residents purchased flats here to enjoy the silence and stay away from the urban din but are now considering relocation fearing the congestion and strain on the existing infra.“A huge swathe of trees has already been cleared for works making the area like a barren concrete zone already,” he said.The assembled members said their intent was to convey to the state that they are not opposed to any project but want environmental conservation above any form of development.