Citing pollution issues, The National Green Tribunal(NGT) has directed the Goa government to disallow any more offshore casinos in the River Mandovi, Goa.This interim order was passed by the Pune Bench of the NGT and also directs the authorities to inspect the existing five offshore casinos in Goa and stop them from dumping any garbage or other hazardous waste into the waters of the river mandavi.
The next hearing in this case is expected to be on 30th September and in the meanwhile, the Goa government has been asked to file a status report on pollution caused by casino vessels in the river and efforts taken to contain the damage.
It may be noted here that there are five offshore casinos in Goa waters and a new, bigger ship had set sail just last month. It is understood that the NGT has acted on protests by various environmental and green groups to get these offshore casinos removed from Goa waters.
In other news pertaining to Goa casinos, the buzz is also that Casino Caravela, owned by Delta Corp has been pulled out of the River Mandavi and is headed to South Goa. This vessel has been sent to the yard for repairs and once that is done, it will be functioning from another river in South Goa. This decision could also be a result of Delta Corp. floating in their mega vessel, Horseshoe Casino in River Mandavi which has a bigger capacity and better facilities.