Seeks regulatory policy, carrying capacity assessment
MARGAO
The United Goans Foundation has called for an immediate moratorium on the issuance of new permissions or approvals for any additional or enlarged casino vessels on the Mandovi River until comprehensive studies and codal formalities in all aspects are completed.
The NGO has further called for an independent Carrying Capacity Study by an independent expert body to assess navigational capacity, environmental sustainability, safety risks, and maximum permissible vessel size and number. The NGO has further demanded a navigation and safety audit of existing vessels regarding seaworthiness, propulsion capability, compliance with maritime safety norms and anchoring practices.
In a petition to the Chief Secretary, UGF Executive Committee member Dominick Norohna called for formulating a transparent regulatory policy governing offshore casinos in inland waters. He further demanded that the government direct the Vigilance Department to examine the role of officials responsible for permitting unregulated expansion.
“Permitting additional or larger vessels without a carrying capacity assessment is arbitrary, unsafe, and contrary to sound port management principles. There is a complete absence of Carrying Capacity Assessment. To the best of public knowledge, no scientific carrying capacity study of the Mandovi River has been conducted to determine the maximum number of vessels sustainable, safe vessel dimensions for the channel, passenger load limits, anchoring capacity, hydrodynamic impacts, disaster and evacuation feasibility, pollution load tolerance and cumulative environmental effects,” the petition stated.
