Though Forests and Environment Minister Rajendra Arlekar stated that his department will direct Captain of Ports (CoP) to shift M V Royal Flotel Deltin Caravela from the vicinity of the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Chorao, as it is affecting the flora and fauna of the sanctuary, CoP claims it has not received any such communication.
Captain of Ports James Braganza told Herald that his department has not received any official communication from the Forest department to shift the casino vessel from the present location. He said the shifting of the casino to the current location was the government’s decision and CoP had no role to play. Braganza said that the port is only the implementing authority of the decision taken by the cabinet.
Deltin Caravela is the first casino vessel to be moored away from Panjim whereas all other offshore casino vessels are anchored off the capital city. The vessel’s locations have been drawing protests. It was first anchored off Britona but following protests it was relocated to Ribandar.
