The Supreme Court on Wednesday instructed the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to evaluate the necessity and environmental implications of laying paver blocks on the roads of Matheran, Maharashtra. This directive comes amid concerns about soil erosion and the preservation of the ecological integrity of the hill station.
Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih, overseeing the proceedings, responded to an application questioning the decision to install paver blocks in Matheran, a town notable for its prohibition on automobiles and located approximately 83 kilometers from Mumbai. The counsel for the applicant argued that the installation of paver blocks might lead to the motorization of the town, which is traditionally known for its pedestrian-friendly paths.
The state’s representative, however, contended that the use of clay paver blocks, as opposed to concrete ones, is being considered as a measure to prevent soil erosion. The court has tasked NEERI with investigating whether the installation of paver blocks is essential for controlling erosion and if there are viable alternative solutions.
The Supreme Court has given NEERI four weeks to submit a comprehensive report, which will include assessments of the environmental impacts and suggestions for potentially less invasive methods of erosion control. Additionally, the state government has been directed to facilitate NEERI’s experts with the necessary arrangements and support for conducting their on-site evaluations.
This inquiry aligns with previous interventions by the Supreme Court aimed at balancing development and conservation in Matheran. In past rulings, the court has addressed transportation within the hill station by permitting, on an experimental basis, the use of e-rickshaws exclusively for those previously employed as hand rickshaw pullers—a move intended to phase out manual rickshaws in favor of more humane and environmentally sustainable alternatives.
The decision to potentially limit the number of e-rickshaws to 20, unless further ordered, highlights the court’s cautious approach towards maintaining Matheran’s unique vehicle-free environment while also considering the rights and welfare of local workers.
