TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has decided to restrain all the offshore casinos and vessels from conducting operations in River Mandovi in absence of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance.
The decision comes in wake of National Green Tribunal (NGT) order dated April 26, making CRZ clearance mandatory for all offshore casinos vessels, operating in River Mandovi, within CRZ areas.
During its meeting held on May 5, the GCZMA decided to write to Captain of Ports to furnish list of vessels and casinos operating within their territorial jurisdiction.
The Authority pointed out that NGT order has restrained all vessels/ casinos from conducting its operations in CRZ IV Zone (from LTL to 12 nautical miles riverine area) unless they obtain CRZ clearance within 24 hours on receipt of request from the Authority.
The NGT Principal Bench headed by Chairperson Adarsh Kumar Goel passed the order in an appeal challenging the permissibility of activities of Deltin Caravela , owned by M/s Highstreet Cruises and Entertainment Pvt Ltd by operating in CRZ-IV area, without requisite CRZ clearance in terms of CRZ Notification, 2011.
The Green Bench has restrained offshore casino vessel Deltin Caravela from operating without requisite CRZ clearance.
The Green Bench has also directed the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to assess and recover compensation for damage to the environment on account of operations by the Deltin Caravela , without requisite CRZ clearance, following due process of law.
The order was upheld by the Bombay High Court at Goa, who dismissed the casino operators’ plea challenging the order.
There are six off shore casinos currently operational in River Mandovi.
