Team Herald
PANJIM: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has directed all the offshore casino vessel operators to submit the details of requisite permissions obtained by them from various departments for conducting operations in River Mandovi.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) via an order dated April 26, made Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance mandatory for all offshore casinos vessels, operating in River Mandovi, within CRZ areas.
The GCZMA has received applications from five offshore casino operators seeking CRZ permission — Golden Peace Infrastructure Pvt Ltd (MV Majestic Pride), World Wide Resorts and Entertainment Pvt Ltd (MV Lucky Seven), High Street Cruises and Entertainment Pvt Ltd (MV Caravela and MV Casino Royale) and Delta Co-Op Ltd (MV Horsehoe Casino).
During its meeting held on September 30, the coastal body noted that casino operators have submitted incomplete applications and without any documents.
“As per the directives of the NGT, the casino operating in the river requires to obtain the NOC from CRZ in the water area upto 12 nautical miles,” the Authority said.
“The Authority after pursuing the applications, decided to ask the applicants to furnish all the details of vessels including the NOC procured by them from the other departments which are required under the law, so as to take further decision in the matter,” states the minutes of the meeting.
“There is no ban on casino operations in the State. They can continue to operate as they apply for permission and await CRZ clearance,” the official said.
The NGT Principal Bench headed by Chairperson Adarsh Kumar Goel on April 26 passed the order in an appeal challenging the permissibility of activities of Deltin Caravela, owned by Highstreet Cruises and Entertainment Pvt Ltd by operating in CRZ-IV area, without requisite CRZ clearance in terms of CRZ Notification, 2011.
The Green Bench has restrained offshore casino vessel Deltin Caravela from operating without requisite CRZ clearance.
The Green Bench has also directed the Goa State Pollution Control Board to assess and recover compensation for damage to the environment on account of operations by the Deltin Caravela, without requisite CRZ clearance, following due process of law.
The order was upheld by the Supreme Court as well as the Bombay High Court at Goa, who dismissed the casino operators’ plea challenging the order.
