In first in Maharashtra, civic body calls for banning alcohol in Panvel, Navi Mumbai

All parties adopt resolution unanimously in Panvel Municipal Corporation

In the first such instance in the state, corporators cutting across party lines have approved a resolution in Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) general body meeting to ban alcohol in the Panvel region.

Karghar, which falls under the PMC, has already been alcohol-free for 10 years (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The unanimously passed proposal will now be sent to the state government for sanction. Kharghar area, which falls under PMC, has for around 10 years been an alcohol-free zone following a decision by the local panchayat and efforts of the locally formed Sangharsh Samiti.

Following the formation of PMC last year, and the civic elections in May this year, at the first general body meeting held, opposition leader Pritam Mhatre had submitted a calling attention motion seeking a ban on alcohol shops in the region. House leader Paresh Thakur had in turn asked for a complete ban on alcohol in the Panvel region.

There had not been any movement on the resolution over the past few months. On Monday, corporator Arvind Mhatre once again raised the issue, asking what had been done in the matter. The opposition alleged that the ruling party was not in its favour. Following heated exchanges and slogan shouting the resolution was declared passed by mayor Kavita Chautmal.

According to municipal commissioner Sudhakar Shinde, “PMC is the first civic body in the state to pass such a resolution. We will follow up on the issue with the state government.”

Box: Implementation through referendum

The implementation of the proposal is going to be a tough task. The powers to implement it fall under the jurisdiction of the district collector. The collector will have to hold a referendum in each of the nodes of Panvel on the issue.

Sudhir Pokle, superintendent, state excise department, Panvel said, “The PMC resolution does not mean there will be an immediate ban on sale of alcohol in the region. It requires sanction of the district collector.”

He added, “Thereafter, area-wise referendum will be held. It will require over 50% yes vote for the decision to be implemented. The collector will then take requisite action.”