Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Before giving the go-ahead for the offshore casino vessels to continue operating in the River Mandovi, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has decided to conduct a site inspection of the areas where they are currently anchored.
In May, the GCZMA issued an in-principle no objection (NOC) allowing the offshore casino vessels to stay in River Mandovi, with the condition that the operators of the vessels provide the environmental impact assessment (EIA) study in order to receive a final NOC.
Golden Peace Infrastructure Pvt Ltd (MV Majestic Pride), High Street Cruises and Entertainment Pvt Ltd (MV Caravela and MV Casino Royale), Golden Globe Hotels Pvt Ltd, Goa Coastal Resort and Recreation Pvt Ltd, and Delta Co-Op Ltd (MV Horsehoe Casino) are the six offshore casino operators requesting CRZ permission. These companies have submitted the EIA study.
Following a thorough discussion, the authority recently decided that before issuing a final NOC, it would re-inspect the site with the expert members using the EIA report.
By an order dated April 26, 2022, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) mandated that all offshore casino vessels operating in River Mandovi must obtain Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance. Until they receive CRZ clearance, NGT had prohibited all vessels and casinos from operating in the CRZ IV Zone, which covers the riverine area from LTL to 12 nautical miles.
As a result, these six offshore casino operators applied to the GCZMA for CRZ authorization.
In an appeal contesting the legality of Highstreet Cruises and Entertainment Pvt Ltd’s Deltin Caravela’s operations in the CRZ-IV region without the necessary CRZ clearance under the terms of the CRZ Notification, 2011, the NGT Principal Bench issued an order.
