Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday, 8 July assured the State Legislative Council that the state government will take strict action against those responsible for environmental degradation in Mahabaleshwar and Matheran, two of the state's most ecologically sensitive hill stations. The minister also guaranteed that government lands in these zones will not be converted to Freehold (Class-1) status under any circumstances.

The Land Conversion Controversy

At the centre of the dispute is a decision taken on 8 February 2022, when 26 leased land parcels in Mahabaleshwar were converted from Class-2 to Class-1 (Freehold) status. The conversion, critics warned, would have opened the door to unchecked private construction in a fragile ecological zone. Notably, the move was pushed through despite documented opposition from both the Law and Judiciary Department and the Environment Department.

Once the matter came to the government's attention, a committee was formed and the controversial order was revoked. However, some individuals affected by the reversal have since approached the High Court and secured a stay order. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for 4 August. Minister Bawankule assured the House that the government will present a strong case in court to prevent these lands from being permanently transferred to private entities.

High-Level Committee to Investigate

Responding to a calling-attention motion, Minister Bawankule confirmed that a high-level committee, to be chaired by Konkan Divisional Commissioner Rubal Agarwal, will be constituted to investigate the full extent of illegal leasing decisions and unauthorised constructions in the ecologically sensitive zones of Pune and Konkan divisions. An action taken report will be placed before the House during the next Assembly session.

The minister further stated that a comprehensive inspection of lease violations and unauthorised constructions across both Matheran and Mahabaleshwar will be completed within the next three months. Decisions on demolitions and regularisations will be guided strictly by forest and environmental policy. 'Encroachments in eco-sensitive zones will not be tolerated,' he said.

Matheran's Legacy Land Problem

Matheran presents a distinct but equally pressing challenge. Since the British era, the hill station has had 514 plots, 194 market sites, and 219 residential lands allocated on lease. According to the minister, multiple laws have been flouted over the years, resulting in widespread breaches of lease conditions — known locally as shartabhanga — and environmental damage through illegal tree felling.

Political Responses in the House

The debate drew sharp interventions from legislators across party lines. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC Pravin Darekar launched a direct attack on the state administration, alleging that the District Collector had misused authority, effectively allowing 'a second, illegal township to crop up in Mahabaleshwar.' He also alleged that in Matheran, tourists have no space to park vehicles while government lands are being sold off, and demanded stringent action against the guilty officials.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLC Aniket Tatkare, however, urged a balanced approach — calling for firm action against violators while also emphasising the need to protect local livelihoods dependent on tourism in these hill stations.

What Happens Next

With a High Court hearing set for 4 August, a three-month inspection deadline in place, and an action taken report due at the next Assembly session, the Maharashtra government faces mounting pressure to demonstrate that its assurances translate into verifiable enforcement on the ground.