District collector initiates voting process; activists have been campaigning for liquor-free Kharghar since 2007; the discussion focused on the rising concern over liquor shops in the area and the path forward for complete prohibition.
A meeting of all stakeholders was held at the Raigad collector’s office on Monday. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
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.”
The Kharghar Sangharsh Samiti, a group of local residents, housing society members, and social activists, has been campaigning for a liquor-free Kharghar since 2007. Their demand has intensified in recent years with the reopening of wine shops and bars close to residential complexes and educational institutions.
Tejaswini Salskar from the Samiti said, “In 2007, there was just one wine shop in Kharghar, and due to consistent protests, it was sealed in six months. But in the last few years, two to three bars and a wine shop have come up again. We are demanding that their licenses be revoked. Kharghar is an educational hub. Alcohol outlets only bring nuisance near schools and homes.”
Residents have been vocal about the need to protect the town’s atmosphere. Several protests, including signature campaigns and peaceful marches, have been organised over the past year. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader from Kharghar, Leena Garad, who has stood by the citizen-led campaign, said, “This movement is not political. It’s a people’s issue. The presence of liquor shops in family-centric and academic zones like Kharghar threatens the safety and well-being of the community. We welcome the administration’s readiness to act.”
With the district administration now laying down a clear process, the onus lies on citizens to come together and submit the required applications. If successful, Kharghar could become a model example of how civic activism backed by administrative support can lead to meaningful change. Even after several attempts, MLA Thakur was unavailable for the comments till the time of going to press.
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