PANJIM: Despite the government’s decision to shift them elsewhere, offshore casinos parked within city limits of the Mandovi River continue to operate from their “privileged position”. In September, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had declared that three offshore casinos would be shifted towards Ribandar side of the river in the first phase and four other vessels would be relocated in the second phase.
Three offshore casinos were to be moved to the eastern side of the Mandovi bridge, while two were to be shifted to Betim and the southern side of the river in order to decongest the Mandovi channel.
But even two months after the government decision, except for Arabian Sea King which has gone for repairs none of the off-shore have been shifted, said government official. Currently, Pride of Goa, Casino Royale and Goa Sorte are conducting their business from their present location.
Apparently, opposition by the locals has proved counter-productive to the offshore casino operators who are unwilling to move their vessels out of the city limits of the Mandovi River. “There is pressure on the government as locals are agitating. We do not know whom to listen now and so the government is waiting and watching”, said the government official.
Residents of Ribandar have declared that they will not allow offshore casinos within their jurisdiction, so also Aldona legislator Dayanand Narvekar has warned that he will not tolerate offshore casinos in his constituency.
Earlier, Panjimites supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had demanded that the government relocate off shore casinos elsewhere in fact, move them away from city limits.
The government took a policy decision to shift all offshore casinos off Aguada Bay after BJP threatened to intensity its agitation. The government never implemented its decision and seemed to be dilly-dallying after the offshore casinos moved the High Court and got temporary relief. (HD)
2 comments:
Why does anyone want the casinos relocated? they should be eliminated for good. These casinos are a curse to Goan life, frequented by corrupt government officials and drug dealers. The revenue generated does not benefit the poorer Goans.
Sorry guys...but Mr. Digamber Kamat is very busy lighting Traditional lamps and attending opening ceremonies.He is also very busy going for a day to New Delhivery oftem, on "business" to avoid confronting major issues in Goa.I am trying to come to grips with this habit and addiction of his.
He was recently hiding again in New Delhi as he was in fear that the Portuguese Tall Ship NRP SAGRES sailed to Goa to invade and re-colonise it.He was afraid if this did happen he would be imprisoned at Sada Sub Jail.Due to this fear of the Portuguese, he lost all his diplomatic and inter-Government skills.
So as the NRP SAGRES was docked in Goa and posed a threat to Goa`s occupation, he had no time to deal with the Casino Ships.
Also do not forget, Poor Mr D Kamat had to also deal with the Traffic Congestion woes in Margao.And the Power supplies ...And the flare up and gang warfare of his worshipers in Monti Dongor.He does not like to see his sub-standard neighbours at war.
And just before you thought this must be all ...Oh no!...he has to remain at home in his rocking chair, waiting for "POSTMAN PATEL" to arrive, with good news from Pune that Facebook and Orkut will be closed down "worldwide", single handedly by him and the world will be a safer place thereafter.
Now before I end...do not for the arrival of his famous phrase..."I was mis-understood".
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