TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The Ports administration has identified Chapora river, Aguada bay (north Goa) and the Zuari river (south Goa), as alternative spots where the four off-shore casino vessels, currently operating from river Mandovi could be anchored. All casino vessels are due to be shifted out of the Mandovi river by December 2015.
A detailed report of the Captain of Ports (CoP) recommending these three spots will be submitted to the government for final consideration.
“CoP has identified three spots where casinos can be shifted, once they are moved out of river Mandovi. The proposal has been made following directions from the government. Unless we identify the alternative space for casinos, it would be difficult to shift them,” a senior official said.
CoP is of the view that the casinos can be shifted to Chapora river, provided proper dredging of the river is undertaken. The river, located in Pernem taluka is viewed as having tourism potential, with the Tourism Department planning to promote eco-friendly tourism activities as well as inland water transport here.
The Ports administration is also considering Aguada as an option for anchoring the vessels. In the past the state government, too had been of the view that the offshore casinos can be shifted to Aguada bay, another tourist spot.
In the case of river Zuari, taking into consideration the existence of the present bridge and that work on the second bridge is likely to commence by mid-August, which could be a major hurdle in the movement of large casinos vessels, CoP has recommended that the vessels be shifted either on the western side of the bridge (Mormugao taluka) or on the eastern side (Ponda taluka).
In an earlier cabinet decision the BJP-led government had decided not to renew the licences of the offshore casino vessels that are not prepared to move out of River Mandovi, once their current permission expires. A policy has also been drafted to shift these vessels by December 2015. The government is currently in the process of drafting rules for the Gaming Commission to regulate these vessels.
As per the available information, the licence issued to the casino M V Horseshoe expires on August 29, 2015, that to casino M V Pride of Goa expires on September 12, 2015, the one issued to casino M V Boa Sorte expires on December 3, 2015, and licence issued to M V Casino Royale expires on December 23, 2015.
