Matheran Eco-Sensitive Zone Regulations

Matheran Municipal Council Area Plan

• Separate sub-zonal master plans will be created for areas within and outside the Matheran Municipal Council.
• These plans will be a part of a zonal master plan, approved by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
• Habitats with a population exceeding 5000 within the Eco-sensitive Zone must also have area development plans.
• These plans should include regulations for gaothan and gaothan expansion.

Eco-Sensitive Zone Development Regulations

• No increase in existing parameters like floor area ratio, maximum number of storeys, and ground coverage are allowed, pending approval of the zonal master plan.
• No new constructions are allowed unless for repairs or restorations, and should not alter the original structure or plinth area.
• Specific industrial and service units with limited pollution, and non-hazardous, will be permitted.
• Quarrying activities will be prohibited in the Eco-sensitive zone, however, small-scale quarrying for construction will be permitted with authorization.

Natural Heritage

• The locations of natural heritage such as rock formations, waterfalls, etc. within the Eco-sensitive zones should be identified and plans for their preservation created.
• These plans are to be included in the zonal and sub-zonal master plans.

Man-made Heritage

• Buildings, structures, artefacts, areas with historical significance in the Eco-sensitive Zone, should be identified.
• Plans for conservation of these items, both exteriors and relevant interiors, will be included in the zonal and sub-zonal master plans.

Tree Regulations

• No trees, whether on government, revenue, or private land, can be cut without permission from the appropriate governing body (state government or collector.)
• The amount of allowable slope for trees is 20 degrees or more.

Quarrying and Mining

• Quarrying and mining activities are prohibited in the Eco-Sensitive Zone unless the permission is granted by the Monitoring Committee for limited use /construction.

Tourism

• Tourism activities should follow the guidelines in the Tourism Master Plan.
• Emphasis should be placed on eco-tourism, eco-learning, and development.
• Plans are to be created by the State Department of Tourism, agreed with the Ministry of Tourism of India and approved by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.