The Odisha government on Friday imposed restrictions on the operations of beach shacks, which were allowed to serve liquor in a bid to boost tourism.
Now, the state government has made changes in the new excise policy and clarified that no beach shacks will be allowed in Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath.
The modification came in view of massive protests and opposition to the new excise policy. Earlier, the Excise Policy for 2024-25 which came into effect from September 1, 2024 stipulated that serving of liquor in beach shacks is allowed in Odisha for the purpose of promoting tourism.
In its latest notification, the Excise department said that allowing beach shacks in Puri is not in the interest of preserving the socio-religious-cultural significance of the land of Lord Jagannath.Meanwhile, several organisations, intellectuals and mahantas of many mutts have thanked the government for the decision. As per them, the decision will go a long way in keeping the dignity of Jagannath Dham.