PANAJI: The offshore casino vessel operators have come under scanner of Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority after they submitted insufficient documents while seeking CRZ NOC to operate in River Mandovi, as mandated by the National Green Tribunal. Total five off shore casino operators have approached Coastal body for permission.
As per information, the GCZMA has received applications from five offshore casino operators namely 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) for seeking CRZ permission.
The authority during its last meeting held on September 30, observed that the 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 as per meeting minutes.
As such, the Authority directed the applicants to furnish all the details of vessels including the NOC procured by them from the other concerned departments, which are required under the law, so as to take further decision in the matter.
A senior official said that 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.
Meanwhile, the one year extension granted to casinos to operate from River Mandovi lapsed on October 1. In September, last year the Cabinet had accorded one year extension pending identification of alternate site.