Public Hearing on Liquor Plant in Prohibition District Gadchiroli Deferred Amid Growing Protests

Gadchiroli: In a significant development, the public hearing for the proposed ‘LTB Beverages’ liquor manufacturing project in Gadchiroli district has been postponed following strong public opposition. The district has enforced prohibition for nearly three decades, and social organisations have intensified their protests against the project.

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board had scheduled a public hearing on March 9 at the District Collector’s office. However, citing potential law and order issues arising from widespread objections, the board has deferred the hearing until further orders.

While the decision has provided temporary relief to anti-liquor campaigners, uncertainty continues over the future of the project.

Strong Opposition from Social Activists

The controversial project, which proposes a mahua-based liquor manufacturing unit under the name LTB Beverages, had remained inactive for nearly two years before the sudden announcement of the hearing. Following the public notice, strong opposition emerged across the district.

Senior social activist Dr. Abhay Bang and Devaji Tofa had raised objections, arguing that setting up a liquor factory in a prohibition district would severely harm the region’s social health. They also submitted written representations to the authorities.

Taking note of the rising public anger, the Pollution Control Board wrote to the District Collector recommending that the hearing be postponed in view of the tense situation.

Background of the Controversy

The project had sparked controversy when its foundation ceremony was conducted two years ago in the MIDC area of Gadchiroli. Dr. Abhay Bang had strongly criticised the move, writing directly to the Chief Minister and describing the decision as “anti-tribal.” He alleged that organisations working towards de-addiction were kept in the dark while granting permission for the unit.

The issue was also debated during the state legislature’s winter session.

More than 1,100 Gram Sabhas in the district have passed resolutions supporting prohibition. Social activists argue that allowing a liquor manufacturing unit contradicts the district’s long-standing anti-liquor stance and ongoing de-addiction campaigns conducted under government task forces.

Although the public hearing has been put on hold for now, residents and activists await the administration’s final decision on whether the project will be permanently scrapped or revived in the future.