Maharashtra: HP tragedy could repeat in Matheran

The creation of a panel of experts in environment hydrology ecology and climate studies after suggestions by the Supreme Court to evaluate the ldquocarrying capacityrdquo of densely populated hill stations in regions like Uttarakhand Himachal Pradesh and other Himalayan states affected by landslides and other calamities has led environmentalists to advocate for a similar initiative for hill stations in MaharashtraEnvironmentalists feel there is an immediate need to check constructions across Matheran Panchgani and Lonavala Interestingly Matheranrsquos carrying capacity is included in the EcoSensitive Zone notification of February 2003 Carrying capacity is the maximum population an ecosystem can sustain without breaking downEnvironmentalist Debi Goenka has said assessment of the Carrying Capacity CC should form an integral part of the Development and Regional Plans The availability and accessibility of drinking water clean air open spaces electricity amenities such as schools libraries playgrounds gardens public transport drainage sewage treatment facilities solid waste disposal sites etc should also be evaluatedlsquoProvide safeguardsrsquoldquoIn fragile ecosystems safety issuesmdashsoil stability load bearing capacity structural stability slope of the hills etc will need to be factored in and safeguards provided Obviously this has never been done which is why we are confronted by these recurring calamities There is little doubt that the carrying capacity of all our hill stations in India has already exceeded Badly designed roads tunnels multiple hydel projects blasting of hills dumping of debris in rivers diversion of streams and rivers construction on the flood plains etc have severely degraded the ecosystem It will be desirable if the Supreme Court imposes a moratorium on new construction activities until such time this CC exercise is completed and safeguards incorporated in the town planning and Environmental Clearance processesrdquo Goenka saidMatheran is popular among tourists due to its proximity to Mumbai File picMaharashtra is home to several famous hill stations Some of the notable ones include Mahabaleshwar Lonavala Khandala Matheran and Panchgani Each of these destinations offers unique natural beauty and a pleasant climate making them popular getaways for locals and tourists alike Development taking place at these places including construction of houses bungalows and small hotels on the hill slopes has been a reason for worryEnvironmentalist Stalin D from NGO Vanashakti said ldquoMatheran is a unique hill station small and full of lush forests It needs regulated tourism not unrestricted like it is today Too many hotels too many visitors are causing the hill station to burst at its seams We are waiting for a disaster to happen in Matheran if we donrsquot correct our ways soon The carrying capacity of Matheran needs to be defined at the earliest But it cannot be made into a tourism zone for the elite only Its proximity and accessibility from Mumbai makes it a preferred destinationrdquoCrowded weekendsHowever Matheranrsquos carrying capacity is already included in the EcoSensitive Zone notification of February 2003 and MTDC was given the job of the tourist development plan At present the weekend footfall in Matheran is around 7000 and during long weekends it sometimes crosses the 10000mark According to a local resident for new construction in Matheran a Monitoring Committee grants permission for construction and the municipal council MC is part of the ESZ notification In case of heritage property there is a heritage committee which grants permission for repairs and restorationAt present Matheran carrying capacity is around 10000 tourists and there are sufficient hotels and lodges available but there is a need to increase the parking areaNatConnect Director B N Kumar told midday that there is an immediate need to check constructions across hill stations such as Matheran Panchgani and Lonavala to avert Himalayan type disasters In fact NatConnect has already suggested to the Prime Minister to set up a Hill Development Regulatory Authority and issue guidelines to the states The Prime Ministerrsquos Office has sent the suggestion to the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate ChangeKumar said Maharashtra could take a lead in forming such a body to protect the hills in the state which are witnessing uncontrolled concretisation No official agency appears to be studying the environmental impact and load bearing capacity of the hills ldquoIt is regrettable that the officials are taking a casual attitude towards environmental care and this is a perfect recipe for disaster We should learn lessons from the Himalayan tragedies and take preventive steps before it is too laterdquo Kumar said7000Approximate weekday footfall in Matheran10000Approx footfall in Matheran on long weekends