📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Dinesh Valke from Thane, India
Travel
Matheran Forests Alarmed as Tourist Music Disturbs Wildlife
✍️ Mid-day
🗓 18 Jul 2026, 09:33 AM
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In the hills of Matheran, loud music played by tourists has raised concerns among forest officials and wildlife enthusiasts, who warn that the noise can disturb local fauna.
The popular hill station of Matheran in Maharashtra has become the focus of environmental concern after reports surfaced that loud music played by tourists is disturbing the local wildlife.
Forest officials noted that the continuous high‑volume music, often played from portable speakers, can disrupt the natural behavior of animals such as birds, monkeys and other forest dwellers.
In response, the forest department issued a warning to visitors, urging them to keep music at a low volume and to respect the quiet ambience of the forest. They also suggested that tourists use headphones when listening to music.
The incident highlights the growing tension between tourism and conservation in Matheran, a place known for its strict no‑vehicle policy and pristine environment.
Local conservation groups have called for stricter enforcement of noise regulations and better visitor education to protect the area's biodiversity.
Forest officials noted that the continuous high‑volume music, often played from portable speakers, can disrupt the natural behavior of animals such as birds, monkeys and other forest dwellers.
In response, the forest department issued a warning to visitors, urging them to keep music at a low volume and to respect the quiet ambience of the forest. They also suggested that tourists use headphones when listening to music.
The incident highlights the growing tension between tourism and conservation in Matheran, a place known for its strict no‑vehicle policy and pristine environment.
Local conservation groups have called for stricter enforcement of noise regulations and better visitor education to protect the area's biodiversity.