While Matheran locals have welcomed MMRDA’s move towards eco-friendly development in the eco-sensitive zone, they have also alleged that the contractor tasked with installing the laterite clay paver blocks on the pathways disposed of the plastic in the jungle from Dasturi Naka to Indira Nagar. Matheran is also a plastic-free zone. 

Sunil Shinde, a Matheran resident, said, “The clay paver blocks are eco-friendly and also help e-rickshaws run smoothly. Earlier, the municipal council used to put mud on the road every year, but it would get washed away during the monsoon.”