Herald: What was the hurry in bringing the vessel to the River Mandovi despite warnings of bad weather from the Captain of Ports?
Gopal Kanda: If the weather was the reason, then the vessel would have been stranded before reaching the present spot. The vessel has drifted. For three days, it was stranded in the sand bar and thereafter drifted 150-200 mtrs. It is anchored now. We nevertheless could not have come here without permission from the authorities.
Herald: What was the need to move the vessel from a major and well-equipped Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) to a smaller port in Panjim?
Kanda: The vessel wasn’t safely parked at MPT. It was parked at the mouth of the waters. The vessel was being damaged there because of high saline content in the water. It is a floating vessel, not sea vessel. It can stay safe in a river. It was brought for safe refuge before starting operations.
Herald: There are allegations of you using political influence to pressure the State to moor the vessel in River Mandovi.
Kanda: If there was political interference, why would we pay the fine amount with interest to the government, for the years from 2011-16 when we did not operate? Government would not have imposed a penalty for a shut off-shore casino. We have not only paid the penalty and interest that amounted to Rs 50 crore, but also licence fee, etc. There is no politics.
Herald: The government has been saying that the sixth licence has been renewed only on the court’s direction and it was not in favour of allowing this casino in the River. What is your take on this?
Kanda: We are not a 6th casino, we are the second off-shore casino licensed in Goa. This is not BJP given (licence), it is renewed as per the court and discussions with the government. We were told to pay our dues only after which renewal would be granted, and we agreed to do so. So where is court pressure? We also paid fees for the years 2017 to 2021. One should not be against casino or any such business.
Herald: Will your company accept responsibility for potential damage to the ecology at Miramar beach?
Kanda: The beach is not damaged. At present, a path is being made to refloat the vessel and whatever sand is being excavated is going back into the waters. The vessel at Miramar beach has increased visitors there and people are taking selfies (grins).
Herald: What is the assurance from the salvage company Arihant Ship Breakers?
Kanda: I have faith in the company. We have tendered the work to this company and their experts will refloat the vessel in deep waters where underwater survey will be conducted to check for any damages. It will then be sent to a dry dock yard. The company is waiting for favourable weather and water tide. It should probably leave by August 8-9.
Herald: Are you ready to move the vessel to an alternative site or convert to a land casino, as proposed by the State government?
Kanda: CM is the king of the State. We will abide by any decision/policy of the government. If it tells us to go on land, we will do so. I cannot say anything about the alternative site, it is for the government to decide. We are ready to move. But since we pay hefty fees, we need proper infrastructure.
