It is deplorable that authorities, especially the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and Traffic Police have permitted casino boards all over the road network of Panjim and elsewhere. Instead of localising these paraphernalia in the vicinity where the casino boats are docked, these plastic roads dividers, hoardings et al have proliferated beyond Panjim, giving the impression that we are in a casino State.
Or are we? Is Panjim India’s casino capital? Panjim is not a casino or prostitution hub and in no way do casinos reflect Goan culture. Authorities should not take Panjimites for granted and should remove these boards to maintain the identity of Panjim and Goa.
The locals are denied parking because of an overwhelming number of cars bringing clients to visit these vessels at night. Casinos have done lots of damage to some families while those who profit with the casino culture have profited immensely to buy even luxury villas and build hotel projects by road/sea-side.
The government had tried to appoint a Gaming Commissioner but to our bad luck he is no more. No sign of any other Commissioner being appointed. These casinos are creating nuisance and polluting the River Mandovi. This is not Las Vegas. The sewage that is transported to St Inez plant ostensibly for treatment, only to overflow back into the creek and back to square one.
And speaking of square one, after all the promises by our politicians to remove casinos, to govern casinos, to move casinos etc etc… The casinos are still exactly where they were. At the very least, until the government gets courage to keep its promises, we need to fight the battle to minimise the damage. We don’t need to further advertise our shame!
Will the Collector and CCP take measures to stop the nuisance of advertising casino gambling on the road dividers.
