MUMBAI, Jan. 26 -- The State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) has cleared a road project from Magathane to Kandivali that will require diversion of 2.59 hectares of land from the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and 0.59 hectares from its eco-sensitive zone. The 103 sq km park is already under severe pressure due to encroachments, infrastructure projects and alleged land grabs by builders. The proposal was unanimously cleared at the SBWL meeting held on January 6, a time when the model code of conduct was in force. According to the minutes of the January 6 meeting, the road will be taken up by the BMC and is expected to provide an alternative connection to the Western Express Highway. It will also link the Thane-Borivali tunnel and the Mulund-Goregaon tunnel at their western ends. Forest officials said the exact number of trees that may be cut for the project is not yet available. BMC officials said the stretch from Magathane to Singh Estate, along the same route, is expected to be completed by May 31. At Singh Estate, 120 structures and houses will be demolished, with affected residents to be rehabilitated through nearby SRA schemes. BMC additional commissioner (projects) Abhijit Bangar said the biggest challenge lies at Appapada in Malad East, where around 1,900 slums will need to be removed. "Forest land has to be diverted here, and the proposal will now be sent to the National Board for Wildlife," he said. Another BMC officer said the 1,900 affected Malad residents are being offered houses in Kurla, but there is resistance to the relocation. The proposed road will start at Magathane and end at Hotel Ratnagiri junction in Goregaon East. Civic officials said the project will improve connectivity and support plans to further develop Film City....