Should Matheran have a casino?

That's the question doing the rounds after Maharashtra government announced its plan to revive the hill station as an entertainment-cum-leisure hub

Mumbai is still a long way from becoming Shanghai, but Matheran may very well get a Vegas touch. That is, if the Maharashtra government's plans go through. The state government is reportedly planning to repackage this quaint hill station as an entertainment-cum-leisure hub with wide roads, regular water supply. There is also buzz about casinos, discotheques, music halls and swanky parking arenas being part of the revival plan.

Since Matheran has been declared an eco-sensitive zone — it restricts development and movement of vehicles within the region and the state government will require a No Objection Certificate from the Union ministry of environment and forest. So, what do people think about the move? Mumbaikars seem to have a mixed view.

For casino:
Pahlaj Nihalani, filmmaker, who owns a bungalow here
"I think it's a good decision. People go abroad to places like Thailand to enjoy nightlife. For casinos, the closer options are Nepal or Goa. So, why not Maharashtra? The government should open up places for such entertainment; the revenue earned will remain with us. Why should people go abroad? If the government maintains regularisation and safety, entertainment avenues should be allowed here. As for environmental factors, I don't think there's any problem. People visiting discos and casinos in places like Matheran will not spoil the environment. Different people have different opinions and tastes. Practical people will feel it's a welcome decision."

Against casino:
Author Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi, who shuttles between Mumbai and Matheran
"The focus should be to promote Matheran as a destination for nature lovers. I spend half the time in Matheran (he shuttles between Mumbai and Matheran). It's always been associated with calm and is seen as a place for healing. Introducing casinos and discotheques is antithetical to its original purpose. The locals will not benefit as casinos and discos will not be operated by them. So, for whom is the government doing this? Why can't we focus on ensuring water, power and healthcare to giant tracts of rural Maharashtra? That is development. Introducing casinos in a state, which has one of the largest farmer suicide rates in the country, only shows how misguided this government is.

World's top casino destinations
- Las Vegas, USA
- Macau, China
- Atlantic City, USA
- Monte Carlo, Monaco
- Costa Rica, Central America
- Kathmandu, Nepal
- Sun City, South Africa

Times view
Casinos are good for a place as it helps build tourism and revenue for the government apart from providing entertainment. It also helps convert black money into white and the casino can be taxed and be asked to donate 3-5% to charity or for developing the environment in Matheran.