PANJIM: With the 100-day deadline fast approaching, BJP Panjim MLA Atanasio Monserrate says he is firm on his promise to shift offshore casinos out of River Mandovi. 

Speaking to media persons on Thursday, Monserrate expressed confidence that Port Minister, Michael Lobo would help him shift the casinos out of River Mandovi to his constituency Calangute, which a tourism hotspot. 

"As promised to the people of Panjim, I am here to ensure that offshore casinos are removed from River Mandovi. There is no going back on the promise. You (media) be rest assured that they will be removed," he said. 

"I am confident that Lobo will help us to remove casinos and shift them in his constituency," Monserrate said. 

The MLA had in fact raised the demand that the offshore casinos be shifted to Aguada. During the recently held Monsoon Session of the State Assembly, Monserrate had suggested to the Minister that since Calangute is a tourism belt, internationally recognized, the offshore casinos be shifted to Aguada. 

Lobo, had assured the legislator to inspect the area and take a decision accordingly. 

Monserrate, who had contested the Panjim by-election on Congress ticket in May, had promised to shift the offshore casinos out of River Mandovi within 100 days. 

There are presently six offshore casinos anchored in the River.