Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: The Rajya Sabha was informed today that there is no environmental impact of offshore casinos in River Mandovi.
Replying to a question tabled by TMC’s Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’brien, Minister of Jal Shakti Bashweswar Tudu saud that Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has informed that TUV SUD South Asia Pvt Ltd was appointed for undertaking water audit of six floating casino vessels operating in river Mandovi at Panjim
to identify and evaluate potential environmental impacts, especially due to disposal of sewage with the operation of these casinos.
“The water audit indicates that there are no adverse environmental impacts of the operation of these vessels. Also, the little impact would be readily addressed through mitigation measures outlined in the Environmental and Social Management Plan,” he said.
He further said that it is the responsibility of the States/Union Territories (UTs) and local bodies to ensure the required treatment of sewage and industrial effluents before discharging into recipient water bodies or land to prevent and control pollution therein.
“This Ministry, through the Centrally Sponsocost-sharingf National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) has been supplementing efforts of the States/UTs by providing financial and technical assistance in abatement of pollution in idenat the cost ofches of rivers, excluding river Ganga and its tributaries, on cost sharing basis. To address the pollution concerns of river Mandovi, one project for sewage treatment of 12.5 million litres per day (mld) at Panaji has been implemented under NRCP at a cost of Rs.14.09 crore,” it said.
“In case of pollution in river Mandovi due to operation of offshore casinos, it has been informed that wastewater discharge line is sealed by GSPCB and Captain of Ports after transfer of wastewater from casino vessels to the sewage barge. Casinos are also monitored every four months by the Committee constituted by National Green Tribunal,” he said.
