Why Maharashtra's tourist town Matheran has been indefinitely closed
What's the story
Matheran, a popular hill station in Maharashtra, will be indefinitely closed starting Wednesday due to increasing cases of fraud against tourists. Locals and traders called for the bandh after authorities failed to act on several complaints regarding fraudulent practices. Matheran Paryatan Vachav Sangharsh (MPVSS) started the protest after no action was taken against horse operators and touts who were reportedly overcharging visitors at the Dasturi entry point. Protesters have vowed Matheran will stay shut till the administration takes proper action.
Community backing
Local businesses support the protest
The MPVSS's protest has been backed by many sectors, including the hotel industry, social organizations, and e-rickshaw operators. "There is anger in other business community against local horse owners who are fleecing tourists monetarily resulting in low footfall to the hill station." "The horse owners charge ₹500 to ₹1000 from tourists for a distance of 2 km and vehicles are not allowed to ply in hill station resulting in the declining of number of tourists," the Lokmat reported.
Official complaint
Locals have submitted a formal protest letter
On February 27, locals lodged an official protest letter with the police, revenue department, forest department, and the municipal council, after their collective grievances were left unaddressed for a long time. The MPVSS's strike started on March 18, and they have vowed to continue the 'bandh' till their demands are met by the authorities.
Tourist impact
Tourists unaware of the shutdown
The shutdown has left many tourists in the lurch, especially those who had no knowledge of the strike. Nitin Pagar, a Ghatkopar tourist, told TOI, "We had no idea about such a strike. All the shops were closed which forced us to return home immediately." He added such stirs during the peak season will rob visitors of quality hangout time away from the city.