PANAJI
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to the offshore casino vessels to continue their operations in River Mandovi.
The decision taken during the meeting held in the last week of October is based on the environment impact assessment (EIA) study submitted by the casino operators and thereafter the site inspection conducted by the expert members of the GCZMA.
The casino operators seeking CRZ permission -- 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)- had applied for Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance following National Green Tribunal (NGT) order, last year.
“The authority after detailed discussion decided to grant the approval to operate the casinos in the riverine area,” the GCZMA said pointing out that the casinos were granted in-principle NOC in April, this year.
NGT via an order dated April 26, 2022 made Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance mandatory for all offshore casinos vessels, operating in River Mandovi, within CRZ areas. NGT had restrained all vessels/casinos from conducting its operations in CRZ IV Zone (from LTL to 12 nautical miles riverine area) unless they obtain CRZ clearance.
Accordingly, the GCZMA received applications from these six offshore casino operators seeking CRZ permission.
The NGT Principal Bench had passed the order in an appeal challenging the permissibility of activities of Deltin Caravela, owned by Highstreet Cruises and Entertainment Pvt Ltd by operating in CRZ-IV area, without requisite CRZ clearance in terms of CRZ Notification, 2011.
