Maharashtra lifts liquor ban on premises near dam backwaters

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has allowed serving and consumption of alcohol on premises near dam backwaters by amending a five-year-old policy to curb illegal liquor sales and promote tourism in these areas, an official has said.

The Water Resources Department has issued a government resolution (GR) in this regard, the official said on Thursday.

Maharashtra has 3,255 irrigation projects, including 138 major, 255 medium and 2,862 minor ones, many of which are located in hilly and scenic areas, with several rest houses, inspection bungalows and staff quarters situated nearby.

Due to the lack of manpower and maintenance, most of these properties remain unused, he said.

To promote commercial use and preservation of these assets, the department had on June 17, 2019, allowed the development of land and premises near reservoirs under public-private partnership ( PPP) or build-operate-transfer (BOT) models.

However, the sale and consumption of liquor were barred, with a clause in the 2019 GR allowing contract termination in case of violation.

"The new GR, issued on October 8, removes this restriction and allows liquor serving and consumption within such premises. The lease period, which was earlier limited to 10 or 30 years, can now be extended up to 49 years," the official said.

The move aims to curb illegal liquor sales through unauthorised stalls and shanties around dam areas, which also pose a threat to dam security, he said.

"By bringing hospitality activities under regulation, the department can ensure compliance with law, promote tourism, generate employment for locals and increase revenue for the state exchequer," the Water Resources Department official added.