Panel to propose steps to restore greenery in Mahabaleshwar

The Centre has set up a committee to propose measures for restoration of greenery in Mahabaleshwar, following complaints of cutting of trees and littering in Maharashtra's one of the most popular tourist destinations, an official said today.
Located around 3,000 feet above the sea level, Mahabaleshwar and its neighbouring plateau Panchgani are visited by a large number of tourists all round the year, specially during the weekends.
The growing tourism activities in Mahabaleshwar have taken a toll on its vegetation with their being several complaints of rampant cutting of trees to set up hotels, restaurants and tourism centres, and littering by visitors.

"Several complaints have been raised by environmental activists over it," Dr Ankur Patwardhan, who was recently appointed as head of the Mahabaleshwar Panchgani ecosensitive zone management committee, told PTI.
"As a follow up, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest recently constituted a committee to study the current status of Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani, compare it with the past record and submit a proposal for restoration of vegetation wherever it is needed," he said.
"The number of visitors to Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani is estimated to be in thousands on weekends and during summer weekends, it swells further. While it has generated revenue, it has also taken a toll on greenery," he said.

Mahabaleshwar is a part of Western Ghats and also an eco-sensitive zone in terms of biodiversity. Hence, it is crucial to have an in-depth study and restoration of its vegetation, Patwardhan said.
The committee will comprise an officer from state urban development department, officials from the Central Pollution Control Board and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.
"We are going to use modern technology and equipment. It will be a comprehensive and in-depth report that will enable the state to come up with a good solution," Patwardhan said.