The Environment
and Forests Ministry has notified the Matheran and its surrounding
areas in Maharashtra as Eco-sensitive zone so as to restrict
industrial and other developmental activities in the region
for protecting the environment. The notification issued under
the Environment (Protection) Act is applicable to Matheran Municipal
Council area and adjoining region covering 214.73 sq. km. Seventy
villages in Karjat tehsil of Raigarh district and nineteen villages
in Ulhasnagar tehsil of Thane district are also covered under
the Eco-sensitive zone.
Only non-polluting,
non-hazardous small scale and service industries, agriculture,
floriculture, horticulture and agro based industries will be
permitted henceforth in the Matheran area. Quarrying and mining
activities shall be banned and plastic bags shall not be used.
The discharge of any untreated effluents is prohibited within
the eco-sensitive zone. A zonal master plan for the zone shall
be prepared by the state government in the next two years for
restoration of denuded areas, management of catchment areas,
watershed and ground water management, soil and moisture conservation
etc. Till such time, there shall be no increase in the Floor
Areas Ratio, permissible height and maximum number of storeys
and ground coverage for buildings in Matheran Municipal limits.
No new constructions will be allowed but repairs and restoration
are permitted. In the adjoining areas there shall not be any
reduction in tribal area, forest zone, green zones and agricultural
area.
A Monitoring Committee
under the chairmanship of an eminent person and with Raigarh
district collector as its convenor will be set up. The ten-member
committee will ensure monitoring and compliance with the provisions
of the notification and have the power to take action against
violations.
All the three eco-sensitive
zones so far declared under the Environment (Protection) Act,
1986 are in Maharashtra with the others being the Dahanu taluka
and Mahabaleswar-Panchagani area.
