Maharashtra: Matheran’s forests echo with concern as loud tourist music disturbs wildlife

A group of tourists participate in a dance circle, allegedly creating a ruckus, in a forested area of Matheran. Pic/Instagram/mandar_ghumare

Maharashtra's only automobile-free hill station, Matheran, is facing growing concern over a new form of pollution - loud music played by tourists inside its forests. Wildlife enthusiasts and residents claim the increasing use of portable Bluetooth speakers and high-decibel music in the eco-sensitive zone is disturbing birds and wild animals, prompting demands for stricter enforcement against noise pollution.

The issue came into focus after wildlife photographer Mandar Ghumare shared his experience from a nature trail in Matheran, where he witnessed a group of tourists playing loud music and dancing inside the forest on July 13. His social media post highlighting the impact of noise on wildlife has sparked widespread discussion among nature lovers.

The Matheran Municipal Council has been urged to introduce stricter regulations against loud music in forest areas. Representation Pic/iStock

"Matheran is a tourist destination, but it is also an eco-sensitive zone that was once known for its silence. While playing music within resorts is one thing, carrying Bluetooth speakers into the forest is disturbing for birds and other wildlife. It's about noise, and nothing else. People need to understand their boundaries when they are in nature," Ghumare told mid-day.

Wildlife enthusiasts have urged the Matheran Municipal Council to introduce stricter regulations against loud music in forest areas, similar to the successful implementation of the single-use plastic ban, to preserve the hill station's fragile ecosystem.

Littering concerns

Apart from noise pollution, Ghumare said littering continues to be one of Matheran's biggest environmental challenges. "A few of us had attempted to clean some spots during our last visit, but a handful of volunteers can't clean the entire forest. Throwing trash inside the jungle is another serious issue that authorities need to address," he added.

Mandar Ghumare, wildlife photographer

‘Not a communal issue'

Mandar Ghumare expressed disappointment that the conversation on social media had shifted away from wildlife conservation. "Instead of treating this as a lesson, many people have turned it into a community issue and started defending the behaviour. That misses the real point," he said. Adding that his objection was not directed at any community, he said, "If anyone, irrespective of who they are, disturbs wildlife inside the forest, we will raise our voice against it. The concern is only about protecting nature."

July 13
Day tourists were seen dancing in forest