NT Reporter
Panaji
Amid opposition by villagers of Reis Magos and others, Ports Minister Digambar Kamat on Monday said he is unaware whether a bigger casino vessel is set to replace an existing smaller one in the River Mandovi.
He, however, added that any such replacement is allowed under the law.
“As per the law, replacement is allowed,” he said. “I do not know if a bigger one is coming or what would
be its size.”
Kamat said that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has already made it clear that there would be only six offshore casinos in the River Mandovi.
He also said that the legal position is unambiguous and that no more than six offshore casino licences can be permitted in
the Mandovi.
Meanwhile, retired Justice Ferdino Rebello on Monday said activists from Margao and Reis Magos are preparing to legally challenge floating casinos operating in the state.
Justice Rebello said a team of lawyers is working on the draft and described it as the first step in pursuing one of the movement’s key demands. “The primary objective is to ensure that within six months the capacity of the existing five casinos operating in the river is examined,” he said.
Studies relating to the environmental impact of the floating casinos were under way, he said, and added that findings so far were revealing “very disturbing things”.
“The movement will continue until such time that activities affecting the environmental ecology of Goa are withdrawn. The group is seeking participation from people across the state. We want people’s participation from every corner in the state,” he said.
Justice Rebello said the movement was also watching the upcoming budget session to see whether the government would allocate funds for carrying capacity studies and whether any related legislation would be taken up.
He said that after assessing the government’s stand in the Assembly, the group would meet to discuss the future course of action.
The movement had submitted a draft law based on existing legislation to the ruling party and other political parties. He said the decision on any legislative measure rested with the Assembly. “What happens is for the Assembly to decide,” he said.
He added that a meeting is scheduled in Canacona on March 15 and that worker-level meetings are planned in Ponda, Quepem and Mormugao to seek support from different talukas.
