PANAJI
The Supreme Court of India granted temporary relief to the operators of Deltin Caravela who had approached the court challenging the direction of the National Green Tribunal that their multi-storeyed casino boat anchored on the River Mandovi would need clearance from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to operate.
The Supreme Court ordered a stay on the NGT order.
"The future operation and effect of the order impugned dated 26.04.2022 passed by the NGT shall remain stayed," the bench of Justices Ajay Rastogi and Vikram Nath, ruled.
The National Green Tribunal had ordered the Deltin Group, the owners of Deltin Caravela to cease operations of the casino cum hotel until they obtain permission from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority.
The GCZMA Western Zone bench in an order passed based on an application filed by activist Kashinath Shetye, ruled that the nature of the hotel and casino operations in the River Mandovi meant it came under the ambit of the CRZ notification since it involved ‘foreshore facilities’.
The NGT Western Zone bench in an order passed based on an application filed by activist Kashinath Shetye, ruled that the nature of the hotel and casino operations in the River Mandovi meant it came under the ambit of the CRZ notification since it involved ‘foreshore facilities’.
“Foreshore activities are activities requiring waterfront for their operations including, navigational safety facility and port for embarking and disembarking. The activities of the PP involve running a mobile ten-storey hotel on a ship with facilities of restaurants, entertainment, etc. In the process, foreshore facilities such as navigational facilities and mooring/berthing of the ship are covered by the foreshore facilities. Thus, para 4 (which defines which foreshore activities need CZMA permission) is clearly applicable and CRZ clearance is required,” the NGT ruled.
