Tourists must behave responsibly at Matheran

The horse jockeys have been the worst hit, as tourist operations have remained shut most of last year at the hill station

It is open season for Matheran as the little holiday spot, or getaway, has opened up for tourists from the weekend. A report cited how locals thanked the Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray for opening up the venue. Locals like so many elsewhere have suffered hugely due to restrictions necessitated by COVID-19. Getaways have really felt hard done by because these are places that are primarily dependent on people's mobility, the weekend travellers who really drive the hill station. With this demographic hemmed in by guidelines the life force of the place had literally been obliterated.

Now, there is a glimmer of hope for the people of the land of the red mud and monkeys. Weekenders have been coming back though some may argue that they have been there for months circumventing lockdown measures.

Whatever be the truth, they are now allowed into Matheran and it is up to local officials to see that they keep coming by absolute adherence to Covid-19 protocol. We need to use the freedom we are given, not abuse it. That means operating within a time appropriate framework. Keep distancing, hygiene and masks at the top of that ladder if you have to keep enjoying the slight window given by the state government.

Matheran officials have to also remember that there are extremely skeletal medical facilities at the hill station, they just cannot afford to be overwhelmed by an outbreak which will be hugely challenging and tragic.

Cooperation between both visitors and locals is imperative. Good signage outside eateries and at popular tourist spots within is one more necessity. Every guest has a responsibility to experience the hill station safely himself and not endanger others too, while doing so. With our behaviour, let us encourage more relaxations and set an example for other destinations.