Navi Mumbai: Horse dung is polluting water, soil and air in Matheran, according to a recent study conducted by a joint committee formed by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. The current horse-based transport and waste management regime is environmentally unsustainable and ecologically incompatible with the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) mandates of the hill station, it cautioned.The committee’s 153-page report, which was submitted before National Green Tribunal (NGT), said the current horse population exceeds Matheran’s ecological carrying capacity. It recommended strict regulation and phased reduction of horses, relocation of stables outside ESZ limits, zoning of routes and protection of water catchments and continuous monitoring over 3-5 years to validate outcomes. It said seasonal variations alter pollutant pathways. The report suggested immediate source control measures covering compulsory horse dung management protocol, scientifically determining the horse numbers per day, centralised manure treatment facility, and runoff and erosion control. To protect air quality, it recommended trail surface stabilisation and dung exposure minimisation. The panel pushed for defined accountability and enforcement covering clear allocation of responsibility among authorities and slapping penalties on polluters. NGT on Jan 30 allowed the counsel for Sthanik Ashwapal Sanghatana and Dasturi (Matheran) Ashwapal Kalyankari Samajik Sanstha time to file objections.
