Team Herald
VASCO: Sancoale villagers have decided to oppose any move by the State to shift casino vessels to River Zuari from Mandovi.
According to the villagers, Sancoale has been losing its beauty due to increasing housing projects that have overburdened the existing infrastructure and casino vessels would lead to destruction of marine environment in River Zuari and further pressurise the existing infrastructure.
“When the whole of Goa has been opposing casinos why should the government force casino culture on us? We have already taken unanimous resolution to oppose shifting of casinos,” Sancoale panch Govind Lamani said.
Sancoale villagers further pointed out that Goa State Biodiversity Board has declared the Zuari river stretch from Chicalim to Cortalim as a heritage site. “As per the government’s decision, after declaration of heritage site, no projects which are harmful to marine life and the environment would be allowed in River Zuari. How can casinos, which has already polluted Mandovi set up their base at river Zuari?” asked Sancoale resident Ganesh V Naik.
Concerns were also raised by Sancoale Sarpanch Ramakant Borkar who claimed that casinos are evil of society and the villagers would fight to keep such evil away from Sancoale. “From fishermen, to political leaders and even the panchayat body, all are against shifting of casinos,” Borkar said.
