Maharashtra Minister Advocates for Non-Vegetarian Food in Forest Rest Houses
In a significant development, Maharashtra's Minister of State for Finance and Planning, Ashish Jaiswal, has formally urged the state's Forest Department to reconsider its long-standing ban on non-vegetarian food in government-run rest houses located within tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. This move aims to enhance tourist experience and boost revenue for these facilities, though the existing prohibition on alcohol consumption will remain strictly enforced.
Financial Concerns and Tourist Preferences Drive the Proposal
Minister Jaiswal highlighted that the decade-old "veg-only" policy, implemented in January 2005, is inadvertently driving tourists towards private resorts that offer more diverse dining options. In a detailed letter addressed to Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, Jaiswal described the current restriction as "inappropriate" and a substantial financial setback for government-operated accommodations. He emphasized that forest rest houses are experiencing significant revenue losses as visitors increasingly opt for private lodgings with broader menu selections.
The proposal to lift the non-vegetarian food ban was initially submitted to the Forest Department in August 2025, but it reportedly garnered little response, prompting Jaiswal to send a follow-up communication to seek urgent action. Following this, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Rishikesh Ranjan, on January 27, sought feedback from regional forest offices regarding the potential policy change.
Wildlife Protection Concerns and Historical Context
However, forest officials have expressed reservations about the proposal, citing potential risks to wildlife conservation efforts. A senior official noted, "Allowing non-vegetarian food in these sensitive zones may undermine wildlife protection goals. The original ban was also intended to prevent wild animals from being attracted to human settlements within forest areas, thereby reducing human-animal conflicts."
The ban on non-vegetarian food in forest rest houses was introduced in January 2005 by the then Forest Minister, Babanrao Pachpute, as part of broader conservation measures. Alcohol was subsequently prohibited in these facilities later that same year, in May 2005, to maintain a controlled and safe environment for both tourists and wildlife.
Balancing Tourism and Conservation
This initiative reflects an ongoing effort to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the imperative of wildlife protection. By advocating for the allowance of non-vegetarian food, Minister Jaiswal seeks to make government-run rest houses more competitive and appealing to a wider range of visitors, potentially increasing state revenue from eco-tourism.
The outcome of this proposal will depend on the feedback from regional forest offices and a careful assessment of its impact on conservation objectives. As discussions continue, stakeholders are closely monitoring how this potential policy shift could reshape the experience for tourists visiting Maharashtra's pristine forest reserves and sanctuaries.
