Team Herald
PORVORIM: Minister for Public Works Department (PWD) Ramakrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar on Wednesday told the State Legislative Assembly that government will come out with a casino policy to shift the offshore casinos out of River Mandovi.
Dhavalikar, the head of the House in absence of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, said that government has identified and marked area for entertainment zone near the proposed new airport (Mopa) and the proposal to shift the off shore casinos to the zone is in planning stage.
Minister, who was replying to the amendments moved to Governor’s Address by the Opposition, initially said that he would not like to speak about the government policies.
“We are coming up with casino policy to shift the offshore casinos from the River. Also an entertainment zone is proposed in an area near the new airport,” he said.
“We are still in planning process and no decision is taken on whether to shift the offshore casino vessels there or not,” Dhavalikar said.
The Opposition had moved amendment to the Governor’s Address stating that it failed to announce casino policy and government’s intention to shift the offshore casinos out of River Mandovi.
Meanwhile, minister informed House that the coal pollution in Vasco town is under control and that government will take all measures to ensure that the pollution level is further mitigated. “We are taking all measures. Coal pollution in Vasco is currently under control,” he said.
Dhavalikar reiterated that Chief Minister and Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) have written to the Union Environment Ministry not to allow any additional activities at the port unless necessary measures are in place to control pollution.
Speaking on the river nationalisation issue, Dhavalikar said that there is need to change the concept. “Let all hearts and minds come together to work and achieve common goal”.
Minister also announced that from April strict administrative reforms will be introduced.
