More than 600 horses and ponies that form the backbone of Matheran's transport system are being forced to drink water from polluted natural streams and forest water bodies due to an acute shortage of clean drinking water, raising concerns over their health and welfare.

Equine veterinarian Dr Anil P Lahane, founder of Pune-based Ashvaseva, said a recent visit to Matheran revealed inadequate arrangements for freshwater supply, leaving horses with little choice but to consume water from sources that appeared polluted and contaminated.