Matheran declared green zone

Matheran in Maharashtra has been declared an eco-sensitive zone which means there will be restriction of industrial and other developmental activities in the region. The notification issued under the Environment Protection Act is applicable to the Matheran Municipal Council area and the adjoining region covering 214.73 square km. 70 villages in Karjat tehsil of Raigarh district and 19 villages in Ulhasnagar tehsil of Thane district are also included under this notification.

This implies that only non-polluting, non-hazardous, small-scale, service industries, agriculture, floriculture, horticulture and agro-based industries will be permitted in the area.

Quarrying and mining activities shall be banned and plastic bags will not be allowed. The discharge of any untreated effluents is also prohibited within the eco-sensitive zone. The state government, in the next two years, is going to prepare a zonal master plan for restoration and denuded areas, management of catchment areas, watershed and groundwater management and soils and moisture conservation.