PANAJI
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has decided to undertake a site inspection of the areas where the offshore casino vessels are currently anchored in River Mandovi, before granting go ahead to continue their operations in the river.
The GCZMA had in May granted in-principle no objection (NOC) to the offshore casino vessels to continue their operations in River Mandovi while directing the vessel operators to furnish the environment impact assessment (EIA) study for grant of final NOC.
The six offshore 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)- have submitted the EIA study.
During its recent meeting, the authority, after detailed discussion decided to re-inspect the site with the expert members based on EIA report, before granting final NOC.
The National Green Tribunal (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.
The Green Bench had restrained offshore casino vessel Deltin Caravela from operating without requisite CRZ clearance. The order was upheld by the Supreme Court.
