Please do not spoil Matheran!

Most of the times, politicians come up with decisions which, to everyone but the politician seems the most stupid thing. Yet, the politician continues and unfortunately, their decision have far reaching consequences and in the long run prove to be extremely detrimental.

The big question in focus is Matheran, a quaint little hill station in Maharashtra. It’s a ramshackle small town and no cars are allowed into Matheran. It’s a favorite haunt of Mumbaities who need breaks over weekends. But now, we hear that to promote tourism, the Maharashtra govt has grandoise plans to revive Matheran as an entertainment-cum-leisure hub - a night life rivalling Mumbai's, with casinos, discotheques, music halls and swanky parking arenas. Why? We already have all this in Goa, why make every place into Goa? Tourism can also be about nature, serenity, preserving the old. Why the need to pollute this old town too? Yes, Matheran needs water, power and other infrastructure but not casinos and discotheques.

Thankfully, Matheran is a declared eco-sensitive zone and to get a go-ahead on these plans, the state Govt will need to get a NOC from the Union ministry of environment and forest. As a reader has rightly stated, “this plan of the government is ill advised. It will mean the death of this hill station. Instead of inviting boisterous crowds to this pristine place, the government should promote nature and adventure sports. Hill stations have their own calm and pristine character, they are escapes from the hustle and bustle of metros. Casinos will bring in hordes and a big number of vehicles polluting both the environment and peace.” Wish the Govt scuttles this plan.