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, reported news agency PTI.
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, reported PTI.
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, reported PTI.
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, reported PTI.
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, reported PTI.
Maharashtra govt announces Rs 31,628 cr package for flood-hit farmers; `loan waiver in due course`
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced a compensation package of Rs 31,628 crore for farmers who suffered massive losses due to rains and floods, asserting that the total assistance will be Rs 48,000 per hectare.
The government will announce a loan waiver in due course, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, adding that a comprehensive memorandum on the losses suffered by farmers was being prepared for submission to the Centre.
Opposition parties have dubbed the relief package “hollow” and “too meagre” to help agriculturists rebuild their lives, and demanded a more “robust” assistance as well as a concrete rehabilitation plan.
“This is a comprehensive compensation package of Rs 31,628 crore for farmers who suffered massive losses in recent rains and floods. This package represents an unprecedented effort by the state government to stand firmly with every affected citizen and farmer in this time of crisis,” Fadnavis said while addressing a press conference after chairing a cabinet meeting, flanked by his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
(With inputs from PTI)
