A LOUD AND STRONG 'NO'
NIO study states proposed site is eco-sensitive
Livelihood of fishing community will be lost and soul for village destroyed
Access road to landing and boarding site barely three metres wide
Gambling will bring in vices like prostitution and drugs
Naval base opposite proposed site for casinos
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Dabolim Cong says no to casinos in Chicalim Bay
List various reasons for opposing the move
THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Members of Dabolim Block Congress Committee on Saturday expressed their opposition to the proposed shifting of casinos to the Chicalim Bay in River Zuari.
Addressing the media at Congress House, president of Dabolim Block Congress Committee, Fransicso Nunes stated, “We oppose the proposed relocation of casinos in Chicalim. The government should consider the report of the National Institute of Oceanography which says that the Chicalim Bay is an eco-sensitive spot. Not only will it destroy the livelihood of the fishing community but it will also kill the soul of our peaceful villages.”
It was informed that the access road leading to the proposed landing and boarding spot for casinos is barely three metres wide and has yet to be hot-mixed.
“Our villages will not be able to withstand the traffic. Apart from that gambling will facilitate the entry of other vices such as prostitution into our villages. Our youngsters will be destroyed,” it was stated while raising the slogan of “We don’t want another Baina to be born here.”
The issue of protection and security of the villagers was raised while also pointing out that there is a naval base opposite the proposed site for casinos. “The Defence Minster needs to ensure that national safety is not compromised in the bargain,” said a member of the Dabolim Block Congress.
The government was criticized for allegedly allowing the entry for such projects through the backdoor.
The Dabolim Block Congress also took a dig at the local MLA. “The local MLA doesn’t help. Does he know that he is a Congress MLA? He doesn’t act like one,” stated Nunes.
