Centre moots e-rickshaws in Matheran

NAVI MUMBAI: The ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEFCC) has proposed to explore the possibility of plying e-rickshaws in the hill station as an alternative to horses.


The MMRDA, in its environment management plan for Matheran , has also proposed battery-operated vehicles to transport goods on the plateau.

An MoEFCC scientist said, “Keeping in mind the plight of the public and tourists, the ministry has proposed e-rickshaws in the zonal master plan for Matheran eco-sensitive zone 2016-36. However, it needs to be incorporated in the eco-sensitive zone notification of 2003 and the Matheran Rules, 1959. Both rules ban vehicular movement in the hill station except for ambulances and fire engines or fire vehicles.”

Shramik Rickshaw Chalak-Malak Seva Sanstha president Sunil Shinde said, “The association has been fighting to stop the centuries-old inhuman practice of humans pulling handcarts, carrying head loads etc in Matheran plateau. The inhuman practice has been stopped everywhere except Matheran because of lack of political will and mindset. We have taken up the issue in the Supreme Court.”

Counsel for Shramik Rickshaw Chalak-Malak Seva Sanstha, advocate Lalit Mohan said, “An intervention petition has been listed for hearing in the Supreme Court. An application has been made to direct the state and union governments to exempt and permit operation of eco-friendly e-rickshaws to operate in the Matheran eco-sensitive zone.” Their replies are awaited on the matter, he added.