PANJIM: Hopes that the BJP-led coalition’s Common Minimum Programme (CMP) will chalk out concrete steps to move the offshore casinos out of River Mandovi came crashing down when the document only mentioned of formulating and implementing a policy to shift the vessels. This has led to the opposition and activists of the anti-casino movement questioning whether the government is serious about shifting the vessels.
Ironically, while agriculture/animal husbandry/fisheries were focused upon in the 10-point agenda, the contentious casino issue was placed last in the ‘general’ category. “Formulate and implement policy on floating casinos on (in) the River Mandovi to shift them from the present location,” reads the fourth point in the general section of the CMP.
This has led to the anti-casino movement criticising the government. Anti-casino activist Sabina Martins slammed the government for forgetting its pre-poll promise. “During every election there is a promise to shift the casinos out of River Mandovi but they are stuck here. The government is not for the people but promoting casinos. We are nevertheless hopeful that city will be free of casinos someday,” she told Herald.
Congress too slammed the government for its U-turn. “Parrikar and the BJP government gave deadlines after deadlines to shift offshore casinos but CMP did not specify anything of that sort. This is an effort purely unsuccessful and to fool the people of Goa,” Congress General Secretary Yatish Naik said.
The CMP also failed to specify whether the government was making efforts to identify an alternative location to shift the casinos – in a bid to meet the deadline at least this time – after the four sites at Aguada Bay, and Rivers Chapora, Sal and Zuari saw stiff opposition from the locals forcing a delay to the plan earlier.
The previous two BJP-led governments of Manohar Parrikar and Laxmikant Parsekar had failed to execute their commitment to shift the gigantic vessels out of the river. Parsekar backtracked on his predecessor’s promise of shifting the offshore casinos out of the River Mandovi by declaring the decision to shift them out of the river was not his. He said the government cannot stop the existing operational casinos as it will not only amount to breach of law but will disturb the industry.
After missing its second deadline in the previous stint, the BJP-led government in March 2017 granted yet another extension to their shifting, allowing them to operate at the existing location for another six months till September 30, 2017.
In the meantime, a fifth offshore casino-cum-flotel hotel – M V Royale Flotel – was allowed in River Mandovi, and then the State government has renewed the licence to Golden Globe Hotels Private Limited. The sixth casino is likely to anchor in the already congested river, though this will be after the monsoons.
