Maharashtra: HP tragedy could repeat in Matheran

Several buildings collapsed due to a rain-triggered landslide at Anni, in Kullu district, on Thursday. Pic/PTI

The creation of a panel of experts in environment, hydrology, ecology and climate studies, after suggestions by the Supreme Court to evaluate the "carrying capacity" 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 Maharashtra.

Environmentalists feel there is an immediate need to check constructions across Matheran, Panchgani and Lonavala. Interestingly, Matheran's carrying capacity is included in the Eco-Sensitive Zone notification of February 2003. Carrying capacity is the maximum population an ecosystem can sustain without breaking down.

Environmentalist 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 evaluated.

‘Provide safeguards'

"In fragile ecosystems, safety issues - soil 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 processes," Goenka said.

Matheran is popular among tourists due to its proximity to Mumbai. File pic

Maharashtra 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 worry.

Environmentalist Stalin D from NGO Vanashakti said, "Matheran 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 don't 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 destination."

Crowded weekends

However, Matheran's carrying capacity is already included in the Eco-Sensitive 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 7,000, and during long weekends it sometimes crosses the 10,000-mark. 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 restoration.

At present Matheran carrying capacity is around 10,000 tourists and there are sufficient hotels and lodges available, but there is a need to increase the parking area.

NatConnect Director B N Kumar told mid-day 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 Minister's Office has sent the suggestion to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Kumar 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. "It 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 late," Kumar said.

7,000
Approximate weekday footfall in Matheran

10,000
Approx. footfall in Matheran on long weekends