Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The High Court of Bombay at Goa on Tuesday took up the matter concerning the induction of a high-capacity casino vessel into the River Mandovi, even as the ship has been temporarily stationed at Mormugao Port.
The 112-metre vessel, designed to accommodate around 2,000 passengers, has been berthed at Berth No. 4 of the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA). It is expected to remain there during the monsoon period while undergoing maintenance work, minor alterations, documentation formalities, and sea trials to establish seaworthiness.
The case stems from a public interest litigation filed by citizens’ group ‘Enough is Enough’, which has challenged the permission granted by the Captain of Ports to replace an existing 70-capacity casino vessel in the Mandovi with the significantly larger ship.
During the hearing held today, the casino company reiterated before the Court that the vessel will not be moved into the Mandovi river without obtaining prior approval from the High Court, along with all mandatory permissions, certifications and licences from competent authorities.
The operator had earlier informed the Court that the vessel would not enter the Mandovi before the monsoon and had accordingly made interim berthing arrangements at Mormugao.
Reacting to the development, Saligao MLA Kedar Naik, who has opposed the proposed anchoring of the vessel near Verem and Reis Magos, said the Chief Minister has assured him that the ship will not be allowed to operate in those areas.
