Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured a delegation from Karnataka that trucks transporting arecanut through Maharashtra with proper documentation will not be harassed or stopped. Sources said Fadnavis clarified that while gutka is banned in Maharashtra, the ban does not apply to arecanut being transited to other states.
Delegation seeks clarity on transit rules
A delegation of Karnataka politicians and arecanut traders met Fadnavis in Mumbai on Tuesday to seek clarity on the frequent stopping and harassment of arecanut-laden trucks by Maharashtra authorities. The delegation expressed concerns that trucks were being detained under the pretext of the gutka ban, causing delays and financial losses.
Sources said Fadnavis assured the delegation that trucks carrying arecanut with proper documents and destined for states other than Maharashtra would not be stopped. He directed the Maharashtra police and transport department to issue a circular to this effect.
Background of the issue
Karnataka is a major producer of arecanut, and a significant portion of the produce is transported to markets in North India via Maharashtra. In recent months, truckers have complained of harassment by Maharashtra police and food safety officials who suspect the arecanut is being used to manufacture gutka, which is banned in the state.
According to traders, over 100 trucks have been detained in the past three months, leading to losses of crores of rupees. The Karnataka government had taken up the matter with the Maharashtra government.
Fadnavis assures action
Fadnavis reportedly told the delegation that he has instructed the concerned departments to ensure that trucks with valid documents are not stopped. He also said that any cases of harassment should be reported to him personally.
"The Chief Minister has given a clear assurance that arecanut transit will not be obstructed. He said the gutka ban is only for sale and manufacture within Maharashtra, not for goods in transit," a delegation member said.
Impact on trade
The assurance is expected to ease the movement of arecanut from Karnataka to other states. Traders said the harassment had forced some to use longer routes, increasing transportation costs. The clarification is likely to restore confidence among truckers and traders.
The Karnataka government had earlier written to the Maharashtra government seeking a resolution. The issue was also raised in the Karnataka assembly.
