Expressing his concern, a regular visitor to Matheran, Kunal Chaudhari stated, “During my visit to Matheran, I noticed the sharp metal wires jutting out of the gabion walls on the sides of the mud paver block roads, posing a huge threat not just to pedestrians but also to horses. The sharp metal wires can cause serious injuries, and the authorities should take action before any accidents occur”

Matheran is an eco-sensitive zone, MMRDA considered all environmental concerns and suggestions provided by the Matheran Monitoring Committee (MMC), while undertaking the beautification work

Dr Anil Lahane, a distinguished equine veterinarian, explained, “Metal wires popping out of walls along the road can cause puncture or lacerated injuries to horses or riders. Injuries to the eye may lead to partial or complete blindness. Injuries caused by metal wires would definitely require immediate surgical intervention”

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) carried out beautification work in Matheran at four viewing points — Panorama Point, Heart Point, Miyra Point, and Echo Point — as well as improvement work at Dasturi Matheran Pathway and the existing parking area for tourists

Read Story: Maharashtra: Metal wire walls make Matheran trails scary for tourists

A local shows the gabion metal cage placed on a rock wall along a pathway in Matheran