NGT Considers Expert Suggestion to Regulate Horse Population for Protecting Matheran’s Ecology
Pranav B Prem
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Western Zone Bench, Pune, has acknowledged an interim report submitted by an expert agency which highlights the adverse environmental impact of unregulated horse movement in the eco-sensitive Matheran region. The expert body has suggested regulatory interventions, including controlling the number of horses in the area, to address the ongoing ecological degradation caused by the accumulation of horse dung.
The matter arose in Original Application No. 210 of 2024 (WZ), filed by Sunil Ramchandra Shinde and another applicant, raising concerns over the unregulated use of horses and ponies in Matheran, a popular hill station in Maharashtra. The petition alleged that the excessive number of horses led to a daily accumulation of more than three tonnes of horse dung, posing a serious ecological threat to the region's delicate environment.
Taking cognizance of the issue, the Tribunal had earlier, by order dated 25.10.2024, constituted a Joint Committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and the Matheran Hill Station Municipal Council. The committee was tasked with conducting a scientific evaluation and suggesting remedial measures.
During the hearing held on 15.04.2025, the MPCB, through an affidavit dated 09.04.2025, informed the Tribunal that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Raigad, was appointed as the expert agency to undertake the study. The university, selected from among four considered institutes, submitted its interim findings after the first phase of investigation.
The interim report, submitted to MPCB Raigad, indicated that several corrective steps need to be taken to curb the negative effects of horse dung accumulation in the Matheran area. It specifically noted that measures such as effective collection and disposal of horse waste and restrictions on the number of horses operating in the area should be considered. The report stated: “It may be seen that current level of investigation reveals various measures to be taken to control the undesirable effects of horse dung presence in Matheran Area. The measures may be adoption of effective collection and disposal of horse dung, imposing control on number of horses, etc.”
It was further clarified that this report was interim in nature, and that the final report would be furnished after the second phase of testing scheduled between September and December 2025, followed by evaluation of those results.
Based on this submission, the MPCB requested that the matter be listed after the final report is ready. Accepting the request, the Tribunal agreed to defer further hearing of the matter to allow for completion of the expert evaluation. The Bench directed that the case be listed for further consideration on 30 January 2026. Notably, while appearances were recorded from the State of Maharashtra, the MoEF&CC, and MPCB, the Matheran Hill Station Municipal Council did not appear despite sufficient service. The Tribunal also allowed Respondents 5 to 7 a period of four weeks to file their reply affidavits.
Appearance
For Applicant: Mr. Tushar Kumar, Advocate
For Respondents: Mr. Aniruddha S. Kulkarni for R1/State, Mr. Shubham Rathod, Advocate h/f, Mr. Rahul Garg, Advocate for R-2/MoEF&CC, Ms. Manasi Joshi, Advocate along-with Ms. Pooja Natu, Advocate for R-4/MPCB, Ms. Deepali Bagla, Advocate for R-5 to 7
Cause Title: Sunil Ramchandra Shinde & Anr. vs. State of Maharashtra & Ors
Case No: Original Application No. 210 Of 2024(WZ)
Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh [Judicial Member], Hon’ble Dr. Vijay Kulkarni, [Expert Member]
[Read/Download order]
