PANJIM: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has granted in-principle no objection (NOC) to the offshore casino vessels to continue their operations in River Mandovi. However, the vessel operators are directed to furnish the environment impact assessment (EIA) study for grant of final NOC.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) via an order dated April 26, 2022 made Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance mandatory for all offshore casinos vessels, operating in River Mandovi, within CRZ areas.
NGT order had restrained all vessels/ casinos from conducting its operations in CRZ IV Zone (from LTL to 12 nautical miles riverine area) unless they obtain CRZ clearance within 24 hours on receipt of request from the Authority.
Accordingly, the GCZMA 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 recent meeting held last month, the Authority noted that it has received all the valid documents from the concerned operators with regards to the permissions obtained by it from various authorities for operating in river Mandovi. However, none of them submitted EIA report.
“The Authority after detailed discussion decided to grant in-principle approval and after submission of EIA report final NOC will be granted,” the minutes of the recent meeting stated.
The NGT Principal Bench had 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 had restrained offshore casino vessel Deltin Caravela from operating without requisite CRZ clearance. 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.
