When we consider a quick escape from Mumbai, Matheran often springs to mind. This charming hill station is famous for its mild climate and beautifully maintained colonial buildings, attracting numerous visitors. However, if you are planning a trip there, we have a sad news for you. Residents and local businesses have initiated an indefinite strike to address the increasing instances of scams targeting tourists. Due to this, the hill station is now shut to tourists from 18 March. Read on to know more.
The Matheran Paryatan Vachav Sangharsh Samiti (MPVSS) has raised concerns about the dishonest practices and inflated prices imposed by touts and horse riders at the Dasturi entry point. Despite several complaints, authorities have not taken sufficient action, prompting the locals to demand a complete shutdown of the area.
Support has poured in from various sectors, including the hospitality industry, e-rickshaw drivers, traders, and social groups, all backing the residents’ cause. Reports indicate that tourists have been misled and overcharged, leading to frustration among locals, who formally expressed their grievances to the relevant departments on February 27, insisting that Matheran remain closed until their demands are addressed.
Matheran is the most popular tourist spot in the Raigad district. This area also has handcart pullers, coolies, and horsemen who travel from Karjat taluka to make a living. Many visitors were surprised by the strike, arriving to find all businesses closed. The situation in Matheran is still unclear. We’ll need to stay updated on when things might get back to normal.
