Matheran locals want over century old wall preserved

Former chairman of Matheran Municipal Council says Olympia race course development threatens heritage Grade 1 structure; heritage body chairman says ground removed from status

The state government has given Rs 6 crore for improvement work at the famous Olympia race course in Matheran, but the former chairman of the Matheran Municipal Council has alleged that the work is threatening to destroy a surrounding wall. He claimed the work that started over two weeks back, poses a threat to the over century old stone wall which is a heritage Grade 1 structure. However, the chairman of the heritage committee said the structure — the race course which it surrounds - has been removed from the Grade 1 status.

The Olympia race course is a famous spot in Matheran and a favourite location of locals and tourists. On February 11, 2020, the Public Works Department had stated that the government has sanctioned Rs 6 crore for redevelopment of the Olympia ground which included carrying out civil and plumbing work.

‘Funds being wasted’
Speaking to mid-day, former president of Matheran Hill Station Municipal Council (MHSMC), Manoj Khedkar said, “The state government had given over R5 crore to the MHSMC  for  improvement of sports infrastructure work, but it seems that the funds are being wasted. Shockingly, the municipal council wants to remove the 130-year-old retaining wall surrounding the Olympia racecourse ground, which is a Grade 1 heritage site. They want to replace it with laterite stone from Ratnagiri and Pali and cement mortar. The workmanship is substandard and non-technical. They are spending about Rs 4 crore on construction of a compound wall and railings. We strongly object to this and have written to the municipal council and the Heritage Committee to immediately tell the people concerned to stop the work.” Khedkar who is also a Congress committee member, sent the letter to the municipal council on January 15.

In a meeting with the heritage committee on the matter, at Mumbai, on January 20, Khedkar had said the over century old wall should not be demolished. He said the amount sanctioned for the redevelopment work should instead be spent on developing infrastructure that will help  tourists and sportsmen. “We know some local activists and people are opposing the redevelopment of the century-old wall surrounding the Olympia race course. The structure is not on the Grade 1 status of the heritage list but we are trying to include it again. Our team will visit Matheran to check the location after which further decisions will be taken,” said Chairman of the Heritage Committee, S B Patil.

‘Use funds for sports’
Activist Sunil Shinde from Matheran said, “It was shocking to hear from a Heritage Committee member that the heritage status of Olympia race course was removed by the Town Planning Department. Hence tourism minister Aaditya Thackeray should intervene to restore the heritage status. I am a sports teacher and I feel R6 crore is a big amount and it can be utilised in providing proper sports facilities at the ground. An athletic track, football field plus indoor sports facilities can be provided. Matheran is an ideal place for sportsmen to come and train. The municipal corporation can take the help of the district sports officer from Alibaug.” Officials of the MHSMC were unavailable for comment.

Olympia ground
The ground was completed in 1893 at a cost of around Rs 1,000. Known as Olympia race course, the riding track is around 700 mts. While horses are mostly used by tourists for sightseeing  in Matheran, many riders also enjoy riding on this huge ground. The ground is popular for amateur riding events held in May.

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