The writing on the wall is clear…Matheran’s Future is tense.
Matheran, meaning ‘forest’ (ran) on the ‘forehead’ (mathe)- is one of the smallest and most
visited hill stations nestled in the Northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra and is a bio diversity
hot-spot with some of the most beautiful and rare flora and fauna. Supreme Court declared it as an Eco sensitive zone in 2003.
While hordes of tourists visit Matheran for a serene weekend getaway, it also attracts several birders, herpetologists, botanists and photographers who are left delighted on every single visit. The place is home to the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, White Rumped Shama, Brown Wood Owl, South Indian Tree Shrew and the Giant Squirrel-an endangered endemic mammal species apart from other species.
However the picture is turning gloomy. Today this quintessential hill station faces burgeoning pressure from several quarters threatening to curse Matheran forever so be it rampant deforestation, large scale and unplanned tourism and development, red tapeism or simply lack of awareness amongst locals.
Before all is lost, its time to stir up some Action with a Plan.
December 11 is observed as International Mountains Day by the United Nations (UN) to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life and to highlight threats. There can’t be a better way to start a Campaign for the cause of Matheran in 2012, which marks the 10th year of International Mountains Day…So get up, climb up and Lets Save Matheran.