In a move to make Kharghar a complete ‘no-liquor zone,’ the district officials have taken a key step, with Raigad District Collector Kishan Jawale assuring local representatives that the formal procedure for enforcing prohibition will be initiated provided residents follow the notified process of seeking a vote.

The meeting, held on Monday at the Raigad collector’s office in Alibag, was initiated by MLA Prashant Thakur and attended by members of the Kharghar Sangharsh Samiti, along with senior officials from the State Excise Department and the Zilla Parishad. The discussion focused on the rising concern over liquor shops in the area and the path forward for complete prohibition.

“As per state government rules, if 25 per cent of registered voters from the designated area submit written applications seeking a liquor ban, the administration will conduct a formal vote,” said Jawale. He added, “If the majority votes in favour, we will implement total prohibition in Kharghar. Our team is ready to facilitate the entire process with full transparency. The excise department has been directed to cooperate with citizen representatives.”