Maharashtra govt holds another meet on matheran project

MUMBAI: Chief secretary JK Banthia had a second meeting this week over the government’s grand plans to revive Matheran as an entertainment-cum-leisure hub. The first meeting over the project was held on November 6 last year when a decision to repackage the hill station—including wide roads and regular water supply—was taken during a meeting. If all goes according to plan, the tony hill station nestled in the Western Ghats could well boast of a night life rivalling Mumbai’s, including casinos, discotheques, music halls and swanky parking arenas. Currently, the only casinos in India are located offshore in Goa. The only hitch: Matheran is a declared eco-sensitive zone, restricting development and movement of vehicles within the region. State government sources say they may have to get an NOC from the Union ministry of environment and forests.