NGT Appoints Panel To Evaluate Environmental Impact Of Tourism Horses At Matheran
NGT Appoints Panel To Evaluate Environmental Impact Of Tourism Horses At Matheran
Pune, October 27, 2024: The Western Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a three-member committee to assess environmental damages caused by the extensive use of horses for tourism at Matheran hill station. Following complaints about ecological harm, the NGT instructed the committee to conduct a site visit and recommend strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts on the local environment. A follow-up hearing is set for December 23, 2024.
Located at 2,636 feet above sea level, Matheran is known for its scenic views and tranquil atmosphere. However, due to limited transport options in its rugged terrain, horses and hand-pulled rickshaws have become primary modes of visitor transportation. Concerns were raised by Matheran resident Sunil Shinde, who, represented by advocate Tushar Kumar, petitioned the tribunal to limit the number of horses allowed for tourism in this eco-sensitive zone. The petition cited an estimated three tonnes of horse dung accumulating daily, which reportedly contributes to air, water, and soil pollution and poses potential health risks to residents and visitors.
The NGT panel, including representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Matheran Hill Station Municipal Council, and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), has been directed to review the situation and submit an environmental impact report within six months. The MPCB has been designated as the nodal agency for this assessment.
The tribunal’s decision emphasizes the need to balance tourism with environmental conservation, especially in sensitive areas like Matheran. The NGT’s intervention highlights a broader push towards sustainable tourism practices in India’s ecological zones.
