In a move aimed at promoting tourism and tackling illegal liquor trade, the Maharashtra government has amended its five-year-old policy to permit the serving and consumption of alcohol on premises situated near dam backwaters, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The decision was formalised through a Government Resolution (GR) issued by the Water Resources Department, marking a significant policy shift in how recreational activities around irrigation zones are regulated.
According to officials, Maharashtra is home to 3,255 irrigation projects, including 138 major, 255 medium, and 2,862 minor dams, many of which are located in picturesque and hilly regions. These areas often feature rest houses, inspection bungalows, and staff quarters, several of which have remained vacant or poorly maintained due to limited manpower and upkeep.
Authorities believe the revised policy will not only help revitalise these underused properties but also provide a regulated framework for serving liquor, thereby reducing the prevalence of unlicensed alcohol sales near tourist-heavy zones.
The move is part of a broader state effort to develop tourism infrastructure around scenic water bodies while ensuring that revenue generation and safety regulations go hand in hand.
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