PANJIM: Thwarting allegations that the casinos are discharging raw sewage into the Mandovi river, Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral said that the sewage generated on casino vessels are scientifically treated under the supervision of Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB).

Cabral was reacting to allegations made by the GPCC president Girish Chodankar that the casinos are leaving sewage in Mandovi river and GSPCB has not taken any action.

“The GPCC president Girish Chodankar must understand and come and see what is happening and not misguide people by saying government was not doing anything,” Cabral said while addressing a press conference.

He said the GSPCB was doing its work diligently and in a scientific way.

“GSPCB board seals the casino vessels tanks of waste discharge and whenever it is full the GSPCB is called and seals are broken in presence of Captain of Ports officials. The waste is then transported to a barge and the jetty from where it is transported to the Sewage treatment plant at Tonca,” he explained.

He said that if Chodankar has some difference scientific technology he can tell the government.

“He has to think and talk. He has to work for people and not misguide them if Congress wants to form government after next elections,” he said.

Besides, the above process Cabral added that the NIO is also monitoring the water quality in river.

Besides, he continued, “from July 1, the GSPCB will monitor the water intake on vessels and the output so that all doubts are clear on whether water is discharged in river or not.”

On the Congress allegations of Rs 5000 cr loss to State due to stoppage of entry tax on casinos, Cabral replied, “Entry tax on casinos has been stopped from 2017 and instead a 28% GST is levied on gaming chips.”

Also, he added, the government has increased the licence fees.

He alleged that that the Congress gave birth to casinos in Goa and should not teach them what to do now.

“Casinos were started by Congress and since it is an industry we it will take some time to decide on what to do. There is a question of employment of Goa and non-Goans. See what has happened to mining,” he said.He said that as assured by CM the gaming commission will be in place soon.