Maharashtra govt lifts liquor ban on premises near dam backwaters

The Maharashtra government has allowed serving and consumption of alcohol on premises near dam backwaters by amending a fiveyearold policy to curb illegal liquor sales and promote tourism in these areas an official has said reported news agency PTIThe Water Resources Department has issued a government resolution GR in this regard the official said on ThursdayMaharashtra has 3255 irrigation projects including 138 major 255 medium and 2862 minor ones many of which are located in hilly and scenic areas with several rest houses inspection bungalows and staff quarters situated nearby reported PTIDue to the lack of manpower and maintenance most of these properties remain unused he saidTo 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 publicprivate partnership PPP or buildoperatetransfer BOT models reported PTIHowever the sale and consumption of liquor were barred with a clause in the 2019 GR allowing contract termination in case of violationThe 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 PTIThe move aims to curb illegal liquor sales through unauthorised stalls and shanties around dam areas which also pose a threat to dam security he saidBy 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 PTIMaharashtra govt announces Rs 31628 cr package for floodhit farmers loan waiver in due courseMeanwhile the Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced a compensation package of Rs 31628 crore for farmers who suffered massive losses due to rains and floods asserting that the total assistance will be Rs 48000 per hectareThe 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 CentreOpposition 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 planThis is a comprehensive compensation package of Rs 31628 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 PawarWith inputs from PTI