Enough is Enough urges governor to probe illegal offshore casino operations

Panaji: The Enough is Enough (EiE) movement has formally written to Goa governor, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, demanding an independent inquiry into what it describes as the illegal continuation of offshore casino vessels in the Mandovi river, allegedly in violation of provisions of the Goa Public Gambling Act.

In a detailed representation submitted by Justice Ferdino Rebello (Retd.), convenor of the movement, stated that amendments introduced under Section 13B of the Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976, make it clear that gaming vessels must operate within the territorial waters of Goa and not continue indefinitely inside the Mandovi river.

Territorial waters refers to waters extending up to 12 nautical miles from the coastline.

According to the note enclosed with the governor, notifications issued in 2013 and 2016 clearly indicated that casino operators were expected to make alternative arrangements and move out of the river within specified time limits.

EiE has alleged that despite these provisions, govts have repeatedly extended permissions, eventually allowing offshore casinos to continue operations in the Mandovi up to March 31, 2027, or until an alternative site is finalised.

EiE has also questioned the functioning of the gaming commissioner, stating that although powers exist under the amended law, including powers relating to regulation and seizure of vessels, effective action has allegedly not been taken.

The movement further pointed out that although provisions of the amended law came into force in Feb 2020, corresponding rules have still not been framed, raising concerns about the manner in which gaming activities continue to be regulated.

Apart from legal issues, the representation highlights environmental concerns surrounding the presence of casino vessels in the Mandovi, stating that monitoring of river water around the casino vessels has reportedly shown alarming levels of faecal E. coli contamination, posing risks to the river ecosystem and affecting traditional fishing communities dependent on the Mandovi estuary.

The movement has urged the governor to order an independent inquiry into the decisions that allowed offshore casinos to continue operating in the Mandovi despite legislative provisions and earlier policy decisions favouring relocation.

EiE has also called for appropriate civil and criminal action against all persons found responsible for permitting casino vessels to function in alleged violation of Section 13B of the Goa Public Gambling Act.