As per the news reports, the Supreme Court has allowed the Maharashtra Government to implement its proposal to introduce a few eco-friendly e-rickshaws in Matheran Eco-sensitive Zone, on an experimental basis. This move comes in the wake of checking its feasibility in the said area.
Now, Mahendra Kalyankar, Raigad District Collector and Surekha Bhanage, Matheran Municipal Council’s Chief Officer will be taking things forward. The place has more than 90 hand-pulled rickshaws and around 500 ponies, while the Ministry of Environment and Forest of the Government of India had declared Matheran as an eco-sensitive region and Asia’s only automobile free hill station.
Nestled in the beautiful Western Ghats, Matheran was discovered by the then District Collector of Thane, Hugh Poyntz Malet way back in May 1850. Then, the Governor of Bombay Lord Elphistone laid the foundation of this future hill station’s development back then.
Over the years, Matheran has developed into a beautiful hill station, and now serves as one of the best escapes from heat in Maharashtra.
- Which season is best for Matheran?
Matheran enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, yet the best time to visit is between October and May. - Is Matheran pollution free?
Known for pollution-free air, Matheran is all set to undergo a change, as a section of the hill station's locals exerted political pressure to replace the horses and hand-pulled rickshaws with e-rickshaws or battery-operated rickshaws. - What is special about Matheran?
There are around 38 designated viewpoints in Matheran, including the Panorama Point that provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding area and also the Neral town.
