A bold policy shake-up rocks Maharashtra’s forest tourism sector as Minister Ashish Jaiswal demands non-vegetarian food in forest rest houses, sanctuaries, and tiger reserves. The Minister of State for Finance and Planning argues the decade-old ban drives tourists to private hotels, slashing occupancy and revenue from government facilities. In a letter to Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, Jaiswal calls the prohibition “not appropriate,” urging its immediate lift while maintaining the liquor ban.
The proposal gained traction January 27 when Additional Principal Chief Conservator Rishikesh Ranjan circulated Jaiswal’s letter across regional forest offices and tiger projects, seeking urgent feedback. Despite follow-ups, responses remain pending as stakeholders clash over ecology versus economy in Maharashtra’s prime wildlife destinations.
Decade-Old Ban Under Fire
Since 2014, a government resolution banned non-veg food and alcohol in forest rest houses to protect sensitive ecosystems. Facilities in Tadoba-Andhari, Melghat, Pench, and Sanjay Gandhi National Park enforced strict veg-only menus – paneer curries, dal fry, and roti became staples. Jaiswal contends this repels meat-loving tourists, especially from metros, pushing them to nearby resorts and starving forest department coffers.
Maharashtra’s forest rest houses generated ₹45 crore in 2025 tourism revenue, but occupancy dipped 28% post-COVID due to “inflexible food policies,” per internal audits. Private resorts near Kawal Tiger Reserve report 85% occupancy serving chicken tikka and fish fry, highlighting the revenue gap.
Wildlife Experts Sound Alarm
Conservationists vehemently oppose the Maharashtra non-veg forest rest houses push. Retired divisional forest officer Prakash Thombre warns, “These rest houses sit in core tiger habitats. Cooking meat attracts leopards, wild boars, and scavengers, disrupting wildlife patterns.” Cooking odors and waste could lure predators near human settlements, risking man-animal conflicts.
Sanctuary Nature Foundation data reveals 67% of Maharashtra’s 250+ forest rest houses lie within 5 km of tiger corridors. “Non-veg waste contaminates soil and water sources critical for herbivores,” argues wildlife biologist Dr. Neha Pande. Recent Tadoba incidents saw hyenas raiding bins near veg-only lodges – meat would escalate dangers exponentially.
Tourism Revenue vs. Conservation Clash
Jaiswal’s camp cites economic reality: Forest department faces ₹120 crore annual maintenance costs for crumbling rest houses. “Tourists pay premium rates for authentic jungle stays, then eat at dhabas,” a ministry source revealed. Neighboring Madhya Pradesh permits non-veg in select forest lodges, boasting 92% occupancy versus Maharashtra’s 64%.
Yet forest officials counter with eco-tourism models. Karnataka’s Bandipur serves continental veg buffets with 78% occupancy. Eco-lodges in Rajaji National Park thrive on Jain, vegan, and regional veg thalis, proving meat-free viability. “Innovation beats prohibition rollback,” insists PCCF (Wildlife) Kishor Ram.
Government Seeks Balanced Solution
Ranjan’s letter demands “immediate views” from 14 territorial divisions and six tiger reserves. Preliminary feedback splits: Urban-adjacent forests (SGNP, Dajipur) favor limited non-veg; core sanctuaries oppose outright. Proposed compromises include designated meat zones 2 km from core areas, bio-waste digesters, and certified halal/kosher suppliers.
Jaiswal clarifies: “Liquor ban stays absolute. Non-veg serves economic sustainability without compromising conservation ethics.” The minister cites 2025’s ₹2,300 crore wildlife tourism contribution, urging food flexibility to capture high-spending wildlife photographers and corporate groups. For more latest news readers can follow our dedicated Maharashtra News coverage.
What Happens Next?
Forest department must submit consolidated feedback by February 15. Minister Naik indicated a high-level committee with tourism, revenue, and wildlife experts. Potential outcomes range from blanket approval with safeguards to pilot programs in low-sensitivity zones.
This Maharashtra non-veg forest rest houses debate crystallizes India’s eco-tourism dilemma: balancing visitor dollars with wilderness preservation. As tiger populations rebound to 444 statewide, can forest kitchens evolve without compromising the jungle’s sanctity?
Stakeholders watch closely. A veg-only Tadoba rest house recently hosted a vegan wildlife conference – proof that culinary creativity can sustain both beasts and balance sheets. The forest’s future may rest on this delicate recipe. For in-depth report read here.