Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary objective of the zonal master plan for Matheran's Eco-Sensitive Zone?
What is the primary objective of the zonal master plan for Matheran's Eco-Sensitive Zone?
What type of industrial activities are permitted within Matheran's Eco-Sensitive Zone?
What type of industrial activities are permitted within Matheran's Eco-Sensitive Zone?
What is the regulation regarding quarrying and mining activities within the Eco-Sensitive Zone?
What is the regulation regarding quarrying and mining activities within the Eco-Sensitive Zone?
What is the regulation regarding new constructions within Matheran's Eco-Sensitive Zone?
What is the regulation regarding new constructions within Matheran's Eco-Sensitive Zone?
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What is the area covered by Matheran's Eco-Sensitive Zone?
What is the area covered by Matheran's Eco-Sensitive Zone?
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Which of the following is NOT a factor considered in the Zonal Master Plan?
Which of the following is NOT a factor considered in the Zonal Master Plan?
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What is the regulation regarding the permissible Floor Area Ratio (FAR), height, and number of storeys in Matheran Municipal limits?
What is the regulation regarding the permissible Floor Area Ratio (FAR), height, and number of storeys in Matheran Municipal limits?
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What is the legal basis for designating Matheran as an Eco-Sensitive Zone?
What is the legal basis for designating Matheran as an Eco-Sensitive Zone?
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What is the time frame for the State Government to prepare the Zonal Master Plan?
What is the time frame for the State Government to prepare the Zonal Master Plan?
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Which of the following land use changes is not allowed within the Eco-Sensitive Zone?
Which of the following land use changes is not allowed within the Eco-Sensitive Zone?
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Study Notes
Matheran Eco-sensitive Zone
- Ministry of Environment and Forest notified Matheran and surrounding region as an Eco-Sensitive Zone in 2003
- The Eco-Sensitive Zone covers 214.73 sq km, including a 200 meter buffer zone surrounding the Matheran Municipal Council area
- Activities within the zone are regulated
- Zonal Master Plan must be prepared by the State Government, following procedures similar to the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act (1966). Approval required from the Ministry of Environment and Forests within two years.
- Master Plan includes restoration of denuded areas, watershed management, groundwater management, soil and moisture conservation, fuelwood provisions, and community needs.
- No change of land use allowed from green spaces (orchards, horticulture, parks, agriculture) to non-green or tribal to non-tribal uses.
- Separate Sub-zonal Master Plans are required for areas within and outside the Matheran Municipal Council.
- These are components of the Zonal Master Plan and must be approved by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
- Habitations with over 5,000 people need Area Development Plans.
- Sub-zonal Master Plans incorporate regulations for gaothan and gaothan expansion areas.
- No increase in existing parameters of permissible Floor Area Ratio, height, number of stories, or ground coverage for new buildings within the zone allowed until plans are approved.
- Only repairs and restoration (non-structural changes) within the existing plinth area are permitted.
Industrial Units
- Only non-polluting, non-hazardous, small-scale, and service industries (e.g., agriculture, floriculture, horticulture, agro-based industries using local materials) permitted. Industries should not negatively impact the environment
- Industries must not cause any adverse environmental impact.
Quarrying and Mining
- Quarrying and mining are banned in the Eco-sensitive zone
- No new mining leases can be issued.
- Special permission (from an appropriate committee) may be granted for limited quarrying for local residential housing and traditional road maintenance only.
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Description
Explore the key regulations and features of the Matheran Eco-sensitive Zone, established by the Ministry of Environment and Forest in 2003. This zone emphasizes sustainable management practices and the importance of preserving green spaces. Learn about the Master Plan requirements and activities permitted within this ecologically critical area.