Govt defers nod to Delta Corp for electronic casino at Pernem

Panaji: The state cabinet on Wednesday deferred the declaration of an investment promotion area at Dhargalim for

Delta Corp

Ltd for setting up an electronic

casino

after

Pernem

MLA and deputy CM Manohar

Ajgaonkar

objected to casinos in his constituency.

Delta Corp Ltd aimed at setting up an integrated resort development over 3 lakh sqm. The project includes three hotels, a convention centre, a multiplex cinema, a retail area, a water park, banquet facilities and a children’s

entertainment

area.

The cabinet decided to defer the decision after Ajgaonkar objected to it. “I have objected to the proposal as no one was taken into confidence in the constituency, including the panchayat,” the deputy CM said.

The Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board had received an application in December 2019 from Delta Corp Ltd for setting up an integrated resort development at Dhargalim in Pernem and to recommend to the government to demarcate and notify the reference area as an investment promotion area.

The board, in a meeting held on October 26, 2020, has granted an in-principle approval to the aforesaid project. In a meeting held on September 1, 2021, the board recommended the reference area of the project, measuring 3.8 lakh sqm to be declared as investment promotion area (IPA).

Under the provisions of sub-section (2) of Section 42 of the Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation of Single Window Clearance Act, 2021 (Goa Act 19 of 2021), the government issued a proclamation in respect of Delta Corp Ltd for the said project. The proclamation was published in the state government’s official gazette dated November 25, 2021.

The government also gave a one month time period, from the date of publication of the proclamation, for objections to the said proposal to be submitted in writing, with reasons, to the director of industries, trade and commerce (DITC).

On December 15, 2021, DITC received an objection from a group under the banner of Calangute Constituency Forum. It mentioned that the in-principle approval for the said project granted by the Goa-IPB is not in the interest of the Pernem people, especially the people of Dhargal village, and also the state at large.

DITC had highlighted that since the complainant is not from the taluka/panchayat where the project falls in, the contention of the complaint was devoid of any merit.