PANAJI
Panjimites Against Casinos on Thursday lodged a strong protest against the Captain of Ports jetty in Panaji, scheduled for inauguration on
Friday.
Addressing a press conference, members including Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) State president Valmiki Naik, alleged the government has built the infrastructure at public expense solely to benefit offshore casinos operating in the Mandovi river.
Speakers said the jetty, located along the riverfront, was presented as a public facility but in reality caters to casino operators.
“This is not for the people of Panaji or Goa. It is for the casinos. Public money has been spent to serve private interests,” one member declared.
The group accused the government of ignoring citizens’ concerns over congestion, pollution and the social impact of gambling, arguing that the jetty will further entrench casino activity in the heart of the capital, despite repeated demands from residents to shift vessels out of the Mandovi.
The jetty project has itself been mired in controversy, first held as illegal and violative of the CRZ norms by the National Green Tribunal, but subsequently given its nod.
An earlier inaugural ceremony was scheduled but skipped by the government without explanation.
At Thursday’s press conference the group said it would continue to mobilise citizens against what it described as “State‑sponsored promotion of gambling.”
