Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Apr 24: The Bombay High Court at Goa has directed the Goa government to file its response after residents from both sides of the River Mandovi challenged the permission granted for a new high-capacity casino and entertainment vessel to berth in the river.
Citizens from Panaji and Reis Magos, located on the northern bank of the Mandovi, have approached the court alleging that authorities cleared a massive 112-metre-long, 28-metre-wide, seven-storey vessel with a capacity of 2,000 guests. This vessel is proposed to replace an existing luxury boat measuring 60.2 by 13 metres, which accommodates only 70 guests for gaming and entertainment.
The petitioners contended that the approval was granted despite objections from key officials, including the Captain of Ports and the Secretary of Ports, who had warned that the addition of another large vessel could create navigational hazards. They noted that clustering of vessels in the river could lead to bottlenecks at mooring points, affecting safe navigation.
In their plea, the residents argued that replacing a small-capacity vessel with one that can host 2,000 guests is unjustified and lacks proper assessment. They pointed out that the proposed vessel alone would exceed the combined capacity of the five other casino vessels currently operating in the Mandovi, which together accommodate 1,987 guests.
Goa presently has six offshore casino vessels operating in the Mandovi, popular among tourists for live gaming. In total, the state runs 17 casinos—six offshore and 11 onshore—which contribute significantly to the economy. According to government data, casinos generate ?354 crore annually in licence fees, ?437.23 crore through GST, and ?11.42 crore towards river navigation, contributing a total of ?812.68 crore to the state exchequer.
The petitioners further argued that the law does not permit a simple “replacement” of vessels. Referring to provisions under the Goa Gambling Act, they stated that while a licence may be transferred, it remains specific to the vessel and its passenger capacity. Hence, any new vessel must obtain a fresh licence.
Appearing for Delta Pleasure Cruise Company Pvt Ltd, senior advocate Darius Khambata informed the court that the company had secured permission to berth the vessel in 2022 following due legal process. He also submitted that the petition was filed belatedly, noting that the vessel is already en route from Udupi to Goa ahead of the monsoon season. He maintained that vessels of such size can be safely navigated in the river.
However, the petitioners alleged that granting a no-objection certificate while ignoring serious concerns raised by authorities is arbitrary and unlawful. They argued that natural resources like rivers are meant for public use and that the state acts only as a trustee.
Raising further concerns, the residents warned that introducing a large floating casino could lead to increased anti-social activities, particularly linked to gambling and alcohol consumption. They also highlighted potential pressure on Panaji’s already strained infrastructure, including traffic congestion and parking issues.
The state government is expected to submit its response to the court by Friday.