Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Enough Is Enough (EiE) movement has written to Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju seeking an independent inquiry into the continued operation of offshore casino vessels in the River Mandovi, alleging violations of provisions under the Goa Public Gambling Act.
In a detailed representation submitted by Justice Dr. Ferdino Rebello (Retd.), Convenor of the movement, EiE has claimed that successive governments have ignored legislative intent and cabinet decisions regarding the relocation of offshore casinos from the Mandovi River.
The movement stated that the People’s Charter adopted on January 6, 2026, had called for the removal of casino vessels from the Mandovi within six months. It further argued that provisions under Section 13B of the Goa Public Gambling Act require gaming vessels to operate within the territorial waters of Goa and not continue indefinitely in the river.
EiE has also alleged that repeated government notifications and amendments over the years have allowed offshore casinos to remain in the Mandovi despite earlier commitments to relocate them. The group claims that extensions granted up to March 31, 2027, undermine the original intent of the law.
The representation has raised concerns over a Cabinet decision reportedly taken on December 18, 2024, which extended casino operations in the Mandovi, alleging discrepancies between proposed and final approval timelines.
EiE also questioned the role of the Gaming Commissioner, stating that enforcement powers under the amended law have not been effectively implemented and that rules under the 2020 amendments remain unframed.
Environmental concerns were also highlighted, with the movement citing alleged high levels of faecal E. coli contamination in waters around casino vessels, raising concerns for the Mandovi ecosystem and traditional fishing communities.
The group has urged the Governor to initiate an independent inquiry into all decisions permitting continued casino operations in the Mandovi and to examine possible violations of statutory provisions.
EiE further called for civil and criminal action against those responsible, stating that the issue involves not only regulatory compliance but also environmental protection, public health, and adherence to legislative intent.
