Matheran, one of Maharashtra's most popular hill stations, is currently closed to tourists indefinitely. What was once a peaceful, car-free escape for many Mumbaikars has now become the epicenter of protests and strikes led by local residents and businesses. From March 18, all operations—from hotels to transport services—have ceased as the community demands action against increasing tourist scams.
Why Is Matheran Closed?
Matheran, known for its colonial architecture and breathtaking views of the Western Ghats, has long been a favorite weekend getaway for those seeking respite from the chaos of city life. However, recent events have cast a shadow over this serene destination.
On March 18, Matheran was shut down as part of a protest led by the Matheran Paryatan Vachav Sangharsh Samiti (MPVSS). The group represents residents, hotel owners, traders, and various local associations. They have taken this drastic step due to rising issues with tourist scams, particularly at Dasturi Naka, the entry point into the hill station.
Key Issues Behind the Shutdown:
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Fraudulent Overcharging: Touts and horse operators at Dasturi Naka have been accused of misleading tourists and charging them exorbitant prices for services.
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Lack of Action from Authorities: Despite numerous complaints submitted to the revenue department, municipal council, forest department, and police, the locals claim no effective action has been taken.
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Exploitation of Tourists: Tourists have been misled into paying inflated prices for horse rides and other services, with some being given false information regarding the availability of mini trains and e-rickshaws.
The situation reached a boiling point after locals submitted formal complaints to the authorities on February 27, yet no corrective action was taken. In response, locals, including the hotel industry and e-rickshaw unions, decided to shut down the hill station until their demands for a crackdown on these scams are met.
What Are the Protests About?
The protests stem from frustration with ongoing scams affecting both the local community and visitors. Locals argue that their livelihoods have been harmed by the fraudulent practices, and they demand immediate action from the authorities to stop the exploitation.
Main Causes of the Protest:
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Deceptive Practices at Dasturi Naka: Tourists arriving at the entry point were misled into using overpriced alternative transport services, such as horse rides, under the false pretense that other options were unavailable.
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Disruption of Access: Tourists were restricted from entering the main areas of Matheran directly and were forced to use indirect, more expensive routes.
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Unmet Demands: The committee had raised concerns earlier, requesting measures like the installation of information boards, CCTV cameras, and restrictions on horse riders and porters at Dasturi Naka. These demands were not fulfilled, prompting the indefinite shutdown.
Local Support for the Protest
The strike has gained significant support from various local groups:
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Hotel Industry: Hoteliers argue that the frauds are damaging their reputation and business.
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E-Rickshaw Associations: The e-rickshaw community also supports the movement, as they too have been affected by the scams.
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Traders and Social Organizations: Various local organizations have joined the protest, highlighting the broader community concern.
What Are Locals Asking For?
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Curbing Fraudulent Practices: Locals demand stringent measures to curb fraud and scams at the entry points, particularly targeting horse operators and touts.
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Improved Transparency: Installing information boards and CCTV cameras at critical points like Dasturi Naka to prevent further scams.
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Regulation of Transport: Limiting the entry of horse riders and other unregulated transport options into Matheran's main areas.
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Accountability: The protestors are calling for accountability from the authorities, urging them to take concrete actions based on their earlier complaints.
Impact on Tourists
The shutdown has left many tourists stranded, with no prior warning about the ongoing strike.
How Are Tourists Affected?
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No Accommodation or Transport: Tourists who arrived expecting a relaxing getaway were left without access to hotels or transport services, as businesses and e-rickshaws have ceased operations.
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Frustration with the Timing: The shutdown coincides with the summer holidays, a peak travel season. As Matheran is one of the nearest hill stations to Mumbai, the closure has disappointed many who were hoping to spend a peaceful weekend in the hills.
What’s Next for Matheran?
The indefinite closure of Matheran is likely to remain in place until the authorities address the issues raised by the locals. Former municipal council president and MPVSS member Manoj Khedkar has stated that the protest will continue until concrete steps are taken to end the scams.
While no official timeline for reopening has been provided, the situation is under review. The local community, however, remains firm in its stance and has made it clear that the closure will persist until the authorities act decisively. A meeting involving stakeholders has been scheduled, but it remains to be seen if it will lead to a resolution.
The Bigger Picture: Ethical Tourism Practices
While the current protests have led to temporary inconvenience, they also highlight a critical issue in the tourism industry — ethical tourism practices. Matheran, known for its serene environment, colonial architecture, and breathtaking views of the Western Ghats, is a prime example of how unregulated tourist activities can harm both the local economy and visitors’ experiences.
Why Ethical Tourism Matters:
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Sustainable Practices: Ensuring that tourism is not exploitative helps preserve the environment and the culture of a place.
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Fair Treatment for Locals: Ethical tourism practices ensure that the local community benefits fairly from the influx of visitors.
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Positive Visitor Experiences: When tourists are treated fairly and honestly, they are more likely to have a positive experience and return to the destination.
What Should You Do?
If you were planning a visit to Matheran in the coming weeks, you’ll need to make alternative plans for now. With the indefinite shutdown in place, Matheran will remain closed until the protests are resolved, and tourists can once again visit the hill station without fear of exploitation.
For those looking for other destinations, there are plenty of nearby hill stations and resorts in Maharashtra that can provide a peaceful getaway. However, the situation in Matheran serves as a reminder for both tourists and tourism providers to prioritize ethical practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of such beloved destinations.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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