Matheran is a popular hill station in Maharashtra, but starting from March 18, 2025, it will stop all tourism activities. This decision was made because local residents protested against horse operators for unfair practices. The protests became strong after a meeting on March 6, where discussions didn't solve the problems about how tourism affects local people's jobs.

On February 27, residents shared their complaints with the government, giving them 19 days to fix the issues before the shutdown. Local people believe this closure is necessary to make sure tourism rules are better and that horse operators treat visitors fairly regarding prices and services.

This shutdown won't only affect tourists but also hurt local workers like horse riders, porters, and rickshaw pullers, who rely on tourism for their income. The community wants to focus on long-term health for Matheran rather than just quick money.

The situation shows that Matheran's tourism has big problems, as some operators do things that hurt both visitors and the area's reputation. It's important to find a balance between having tourists and treating everyone fairly.

The shutdown comes at a busy time for tourism, which shows how serious the local people are about their concerns. They're willing to face some financial problems now to make sure things improve later.

The shutdown will last until the government listens and takes action. This situation shows how traditional tourism needs to change to be better for everyone and to keep Matheran a nice place to visit.