Matheran Grapples With Landslide Fears
Close on the heels of the harrowing landslide at Raigad’s Irshalwadi came record 1,987 mm rainfall in just over ten days at Matheran Hill Station triggering a landslide sending authorities and locals into a frenzy, writes Manu Shrivastava
In an astonishing turn of events, Matheran hill station's beloved tourist hotspot, Maldunga Point, has been engulfed in a stunning display of nature's might, leading to its immediate closure for safety reasons by the vigilant municipal council.
As officials conducted routine inspections, they were met with a jaw-dropping sight - an enormous, ominous crack stretching a staggering 100 meters in length and 6 feet in width!
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| The incessant rains led to the formation of an enormous crack stretching 100 meters in length |
Adding to the spectacle, a mesmerising cascade of red soil mixed with mud water was flowing down the hillside, creating an artificial waterfall, like something straight out of a dream.
But behind this facade lies a terrifying tale of relentless rainfall. The hill station experienced a staggering 1,987 mm of rainfall over just ten days, pushing the region to its limits. The crack formed just a few meters from the iconic Maldunga Point, threatening to wreak havoc on one of the 36 view-points adored by tourists.
The wrath of nature struck a critical blow when the season's maximum rainfall of 398 mm was recorded on July 20, triggering a harrowing landslide in the nearby Irshalwadi region, posing a threat to Chowk Point of Matheran Hill Station. The previous day's downpour saw a colossal 343 mm of rainfall, leaving the entire region on edge.
In a desperate attempt to protect lives, the Matheran Hill Station Municipal Council sprung into action. Accounts Officer, Ankush Echake with an additional charge of Office Superintendent, revealed that he led a dedicated team of ten members comprising Water Supply Engineer Abhimanyu Yelwande, Clerk Pravin Surve, Narendra Sawant, Arjun Pardhi and others to meticulously inspect the endangered area and swifly installed warning banners, imploring locals and tourists to steer clear of the treacherous view-point area.
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| Matheran Municipal Council members assessed the damage |
A jaw-dropping 3,955 mm of rainfall was recorded between June 1 and July 28 this year in Matheran. A grim reminder of the cataclysmic past, the highest ever rainfall of 7,467 mm, recorded in 2019, serves as a haunting backdrop to the current crisis.
The closure of Maldunga Point serves as a stark reminder of nature's raw power and demands utmost caution from all who visit this enchanting hill station. As the artificial waterfall captivates onlookers, it also warns of the formidable forces that lie beneath the surface, forever altering the landscape and the way Matheran's beauty is experienced.
Former president of Matheran Municipal Council Manoj Khedkar said that merely declaring Matheran an eco-sensitive zone doesn’t help. A thorough geological survey of the hill station is in order. Seconding his view is resident Sunil Shinde who feels soil erosion is a real threat for Matheran and one that needs to be addressed soon.
With the haunting memories of the Irshawadi landslide tragedy still fresh in their minds, the 100 apprehensive residents of Dodhani hamlet, nestled at the foothills of Matheran, were thrust into a state of panic when the relentless rains on July 25, 2023, unleashed a terrifying spectacle before their eyes.
Loose boulders, dislodged by the unrelenting downpour, came crashing down with a deafening roar, while torrents of mud cascaded down the slopes, threatening to engulf everything on the way. Fear gripped the hearts of the hamlet's inhabitants, and they trembled at the thought of yet another calamity befalling their village.
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| The banner installed |
Upon reaching the scene, a sigh of relief echoed through the air, as it was discovered that the boulders had fallen on the other side of the gorge, near the renowned Monkey Point. While the landslide danger was momentarily averted, the officials were acutely aware of the volatile nature of the situation and decided to take no chances.
As a proactive measure to safeguard the lives of Dodhani hamlet's vulnerable inhabitants, a swift decision was made to evacuate the 25 families residing in the vicinity to a secure transit camp. Collector Yogesh Mhase explained that despite the absence of an immediate landslide threat, the precautionary measures were deemed necessary.
Drawing on a crucial report by the Geological Survey of India, which identified landslide - and flood-prone regions within the district, the authorities took swift action to ensure the safety of the residents.
This comprehensive effort has resulted in the relocation of a staggering 1,725 families from 58 villages to safer havens, a testament to the district's unwavering commitment to preserving lives and minimising the impact of natural disasters. As the rain continues to pour, the residents of Dodhani remain on edge, haunted by the possibility of nature's fury striking again.
However, they find solace in the response of the authorities and the hope that their collective efforts will fortify the region against future calamities. As they navigate through this perilous time, the resilience of the people shines through, illuminating the path to a safer tomorrow amidst the shadow of tragedy.
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