close_game
close_game

Centre says no to e-rickshaws in Matheran

Hindustan Times | By, Mumbai
Jul 16, 2018 01:33 PM IST

This means tourists will have to continue using horses and hand-drawn rickshaws.

The Centre has turned down the state’s proposal of plying e-rickshaws as a mode of transport in its plan to make Matheran more tourist-friendly.

The ministry of environment, forest and climate change turned down the state’s request citing a pending petition before the SC.(HT File Photo)
The ministry of environment, forest and climate change turned down the state’s request citing a pending petition before the SC.(HT File Photo)

The ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC) turned down the request by the state citing the pending petition related to Matheran before the SC.

This means tourists will have to continue using horses and hand-drawn rickshaws.

Anil Diggikar, principal secretary, state environment department confirmed the development.

Vehicles run on fuel are banned at Matheran. In its reply on June 7, the MoEFCC said, “Regarding permission to operate e-rickshaws, a legal opinion may be required as the matter is sub-juice in the apex court.”

The letter issued by Lalit Kapur, advisor, MoEFCC further said that earlier they had allowed operating tractors in Matheran’s eco-sensitive zone area only to withdraw it after the SC disapproved the move.

In a letter written in February this year, the state had sought amendment in the notification issued by the MoEFCC on February 4, 2003, that has declared Matheran as an eco-sensitive zone and restricted entry of motor vehicles. Due to the prohibition of vehicular traffic, the hill station is allowed to use only one ambulance and one fire engine to deal with any emergency.

The state’s proposal also pointed out that citizens face several hardships, particularly in cases of emergencies.

Matheran municipal council, Matheran eco-sensitive monitoring committee and the transport department too had given a green signal for introducing e-rickshaws at the hill station, said a senior official from the state environment department.

Local residents and rickshaw puller unions have been demanding introduction of eco-friendly, noiseless and smokeless e-rickshaws for several years.

Sunil Shinde, secretary, Shramik Rickshaw Sangathana, Matheran said the reason cited by the MoEFCC for refusing the request has no connection with operation of e-rickshaws.

“The MoEFCC should also think about those people involved in pulling human-rickshaws in the vicinity as they also deserve the right to live with dignity,” Shinde said.

rec-icon Recommended Topics
Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crickit, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Infographics & much more. Explore now!

Stay updated with all the Breaking News and Latest News from Mumbai. Click here for comprehensive coverage of top Cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and more across India along with Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News.
See More
Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crickit, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Infographics & much more. Explore now!

Stay updated with all the Breaking News and Latest News from Mumbai. Click here for comprehensive coverage of top Cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and more across India along with Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On