New Casino Approval Sparks Environmental Fires”
PANJIM: Despite stiff opposition from environmentalists a new casino has been added to the existing number of casinos in the River Mandovi.
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has approved a 112-metre-long Deltin Royale all new casino vessel to operate in the River Mandovi. The approval was allegedly granted without a mandatory water quality assessment.
Despite this, expert members raised concerns over the Mandovi River’s deteriorating health conditions. The Mandovi River is already hosting several offshore casinos, and experts warned that adding another huge vessel would worsen pollution levels and likely to cause ecological imbalance in the River Mandovi in future. Concerns were also raised by the experts about the cumulative impact on water quality, marine life, and public health.
Despite warnings from the experts, the clearance was granted, kicking a new controversy and raising several questions about regulation. The environmental groups have expressed disappointment over the issue, stating that such decisions undermine environmental protection norms and ignore scientific input. The present move has once again brought focus to casino regulation and environmental governance in Goa
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