Maharashtra: Open waste burning in Matheran raises environmental concerns

A burning heap of waste at the parking zone of Matheran hill station. PIC/MAHESH YADAV

Despite Matheran's protected status, waste is being burnt in the open, raising concerns among environmentalists. A Mumbai-based naturalist and photographer, Mahesh Yadav, who recently documented the scene, said fires were adding to local air pollution and could spark a larger threat to the hill station's forested slopes.

On Saturday, Yadav, along with his friends Prabhu Swami and Kunal Chaudhari, had gone for a nature trail in Matheran, when they were shocked to see that the garbage was burning near a parking lot.

"This told a deeply distressing story of environmental negligence and the tragic consequences of human actions within a protected ecosystem. It is a visual testament to how precious natural spaces are being destroyed in the middle of the forest," said Yadav.

He also pointed out that burning plastic and household waste, particularly at a busy entry point like the parking area, releases a hazardous cocktail of toxins, such as dioxins, furans, and heavy metals, into the air. This toxic smoke directly pollutes the air of Matheran.

Swami, also a naturalist and photographer, said, "The massive pile of unburnt plastic and food waste poses a grave threat to local wildlife. Animals, confusing discarded bags and containers for food, can ingest the plastic. This leads to blockages, starvation, and a slow, painful death for creatures within the eco-sensitive zone."

Matheran, a picturesque hill station near Mumbai, is known for its charming toy train and scenic beauty. It also attracts wildlife enthusiasts with its rich variety of endemic birds and numerous snake species. However, increased tourism has led to overcrowding and littering, which threatens its unique biodiversity. Despite being a pollution-free destination due to the absence of vehicles, human activity has impacted the area.

Matheran Fact File

Population of hill station: Over 4000
No. of tourists who visit daily on weekdays: 2000 to 2500
No. of tourists who visit on weekends: 7000 to 8000
Area of hill station: 7-7.2 sq km
Area of eco-sensitive zone: 214.73 sq km
No. of reptile species: 46
No. of bird species: 150+
No. of mammal species: 20+