PANJIM: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday issued notices to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and various Goa government authorities over the anchoring of MV Royale Deltin Caravela Floatel casino, near the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in violation of the coastal regulation zone (CRZ) guidelines.
The Pune bench of the NGT, comprising Justice Jawed Rahim and Justice Deshpande, issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Tiswadi Deputy Collector, Forests Department, Captain of Ports, Tourism Department, Marine Police, Directorate of Fisheries, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), River Navigation and Goa Biodiversity Board, seeking replies over mooring of the vessel near the bird sanctuary and in CRZ IV area.
Environmentalists, fishermen and villagers from Ribandar had approached NGT seeking removal of the casino vessel from where it is currently anchored and sought compensation to the farmers for damages due to the ship’s anchoring.
Social activist Kashinath Shetye, who argued on behalf of the petitioners, confirmed that the notices have been served to the various government authorities and MoEF. “The matter is now reserved for July 27 for interim order,” he said.
Villagers along with local MLAs and activist have objected to the decision to anchor the casino vessel within 200 meters of the bird sanctuary as this will have an impact on avian life there. Villagers have also called for a Ribandar bandh on July 25, demanding the immediate removal of the vessel.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Ribandar residents led by Adv Aires Rodrigues will call on Goa Governor Mridula Sinha at the Raj Bhavan on Saturday to seek her intervention in the removal of casino vessel.
GCZMA has already issued a show cause notice to the casino vessel for operating without obtaining CRZ clearance.
