What is causing pollution in Matheran?

Horse droppings are the primary source of pollution, affecting air, water, and soil quality in Matheran.

How does horse activity impact Matheran's environment?

Equine activity leads to high levels of PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ in the air, fecal contamination in water sources, and soil contamination with bacteria.

What solutions are proposed for Matheran's pollution problem?

Proposed solutions include regulating horse populations, relocating stables, zoning equine routes, and continuous environmental monitoring.

Home / Environment / Horse Droppings Choke India's Eco-Friendly Hill Station

Horse Droppings Choke India's Eco-Friendly Hill Station

3 Feb

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Summary

Horse droppings identified as primary pollution source in Matheran.
Air, water, and soil quality severely degraded by equine activity.
NGT seeks long-term solutions, including horse population regulation.

Horse Droppings Choke India's Eco-Friendly Hill Station

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has identified horse droppings as the primary source of pollution, sustained air, water, and soil degradation in Matheran, a unique eco-sensitive zone and India's only vehicle-free hill station. A recent report examined by the NGT revealed that PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ levels exceeded standards due to equine dung and dust from unpaved roads. SO₂ and NO₂ pollutants, however, remained within control, indicating a non-industrial pollution source.

Water quality assessments showed E. coli counts violating drinking water norms, confirming fecal contamination from horses. Heavy metals were also detected in water samples. Soil contamination was widespread, with fecal indicator bacteria and Salmonella found, amplified by monsoon runoff. Equine activity at its current scale is deemed environmentally unsustainable.