NT Reporter
Panaji
Raising serious concerns over the continued presence of offshore casino vessels in the River Mandovi, citizens’ collective Enough is Enough (EiE) has urged the Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju to initiate an independent inquiry into what it alleges is the illegal operation of floating casinos in violation of the Goa Public Gambling Act.
In a representation submitted to the Governor on Monday, EiE convenor Ferdino Rebello, who is the former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, alleged that successive governments had “gone out of their way” to protect the interests of the casino lobby while ignoring statutory provisions requiring casino vessels to operate in Goa’s territorial waters and not within the Mandovi.
“We call upon the Governor, as protector of the Constitution in the State,
to immediately initiate an independent inquiry into the matter,” the memorandum said.
EiE contended that Section 13B of the Goa Public Gambling Act, introduced through amendments in 2012, clearly stipulates that gaming vessels must operate in Goa’s territorial waters extending up to 12 nautical miles from the coastline. According to the group, although the law came into force in 2020, casino vessels continue to remain anchored in the Mandovi.
The collective further alleged that repeated extensions granted to offshore casinos and delays in framing rules under the amended legislation point to undue influence exercised by casino operators. It also questioned how gaming activities continue in the absence of notified rules and accused authorities of failing to exercise powers available under the law.
EiE also raised environmental concerns, claiming that monitoring teams have recorded high levels of faecal E. coli in waters surrounding the vessels, posing risks to fishermen and the estuarine ecosystem dependent on the Mandovi.
The organisation has demanded civil and criminal action against those responsible for permitting the continued operation of casino vessels in the river, describing the situation as a serious breach of legislative intent and public trust.
