Govt to shift casinos 'within' Mandovi river

GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 15 September 2010 20:18 IST

In spite of court directives, Goa government has decided not to move off-shore casinos outside the shore of Mandovi river.

A cabinet decision in this regard was taken at a special meeting called today evening.

As per the decision, three casinos would be anchored on Ribandar side of Mandovi river while four would be anchored towards Miramar side.

The decision has been taken in view of the high court asking the government for its decision on casinos by tomorrow.

Chief minister Digambar Kamat however did not tell the media what the decision is. He however said the cabinet has decided on moving the casinos and the court would be informed about the decision.

A cabinet note in this regard was moved by ports minister Nilkanth Halarnkar. He is also the tourism minister.

It was a long pending demand by the people, that casinos be moved out of river Mandovi. BJP had agitated strongly against the anchoring of casinos in Mandovi river.

There is fear that accidents could occur due to these casinos in the river. And hence there was a danger to the water transportation. A large number of barges and ferry boats ply through his river every day.

Interestingly, Halarnkar had assured in the monsoon session of the Assembly that casinos would be moved out of river Mandovi.


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Dear Friends,

I have seen some really interesting posts here and i definitely do agree with the sentiments of goans. Any development has to be done after duly considering it's effects on the local populace.



Being a master mariner i would like to clarify here a bit on the term Off shore. As per international maritime laws a country's shore (area beyond which the country's penal, custom and quarantine laws no longer are applicable) extends to 12 nautical miles from the nearest land. Where a sea mile is equal to 1.852 KM

- Capt. Ritesh Chawla, Delhi | 04 th May 2011 12:17

 

Somebody should open English learning calss to make understand OUR 40 IDIOTS the meaning of "OFF-SHORE" & "SHORE".

- Shekhar, Panaji | 20 th September 2010 10:56

 

When one of the members of the opposition suggested to legalise "matka" a senior leader of the Congress party told him make it unto the party's manifesto. Believe me the "matka" is the common man's gambling and it is possible that the masses will vote for whoever does so, rather than the casino supporters. You better get the casinos hell out to the high seas, before the anger of the people erupts.

- ludovico, old-goa | 19 th September 2010 19:03

 

Cassino's?Its meant for people who abuse the money power,so it should'nt bother a common man! neither you are compelled or forced by casinos to come on board.

Now we only have to know what does the goa goverment gain?40 percent in tax or just 5% in royalty,if its just 5% in royalty on daily basis it should increased along with the luxury and entertainment tax to 20% in royalty per day and 30% in taxation. Unless the whole scean has hoodwinked goansby the politicians.

The State has'nt gained anything from these casinos over the period of years,They have paid hafta to the minister to keep them floating,while some media's speak the truth there are some sleeping over the issue,Make people aware with some hard core facts and awaken the people with a jolt,its time you guys pull up your socks.

Make sure............. people are aware of facts when nobody dares.

- massimo, emqon | 19 th September 2010 16:14

 

there are two benefits form this

one is govt. is getting revenue to run the State

and second is some of the elected representatives are in this business and govt has to safeguard the interest of these people so Govt is safe.

- Sanjay Dessai, Curchorem | 18 th September 2010 21:55

 

GENTLE, LADIES AND MAN.

i had a few thoughts to share with all the readers and people connected with Goa news

I was fortunate/ unfortunate to visit a casino cruise in Mumbai (not for gambling) , till the ship reached international waters the bar and the casino were closed. gambling started only when it entered international waters. And it was a surprise of my life to see the entire families sitting on the gambling table with nothing less than tokens worth millions(at the end of each table the operator was getting a tips of thousands of rupees)

The term offshore itself says "away from the shore" loud and clear.

Pandit Javaharlal nehru had once said =Goake log ajibh hai.

indeed we are ajibh.

do you have a different say? Please say it.

the problems that we are facing are both macro and micro let us list all the problems with the possible solution. presently we all (including me) are following the old adage "dekle modem eiyle rodnemm " (saw a dead body and started crying)

There is a vacancy for one person to lead Goa

why that person cannot be you?

think it over

all the very best for Goa and Goans.

good bye for now.



ABEL BARRETTO

CHAUDI CANACONA GOA

- ABEL BARRETTO, CHAUDI CANACONA | 17 th September 2010 15:27

 

May be the next step of the Govt. would be to give subsidy to set up prostitution houses for attracting the so called Tourists?

- james silva, margao | 17 th September 2010 09:20

 

When the Goa Government turns to the High Court for a directive on Casinos,plying in the River Mandovi ,and then decides to go along on it`s own directives,is nothing but a "TRAVESTY".This was the same attitude with the Cidade de Goa hotel illegal extension.Is the Government representing the "PEOPLE or GOAN CITIZENS" or just a few of its Moneyed PATRONS.

The Casinos may benefit the Ex-Chequer (taxman)...but it certainly does not benefit the average man or woman.Gambling is a well known addiction.It has severe social consequences.If a gambler loses,he will always dream up a new way to make up for his losses for his next hit.That means looting,stealing,robbing,blackmailing,extorting at any cost.What a virtue.There has never been such a thing as "RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING" .Moving Casino Ships off -shore may be a deterrent.But I doubt the Goa Cabinet sees it like this as it is there for their personal enjoyment ,backpockets,bank balances and immoral services.Gambling has a close cousin... Prostitution.

- N.Fernandes, London | 16 th September 2010 16:22

 

Looks like the judiciary, the first pillar in foundation for a democratic set up, is being trampled down and once again Goa is showing the way

- Kalidas Sawkar, Panaji Goa | 16 th September 2010 11:40

 

What might be the logic in not moving the casinos out of Mandovi into deep seas?

Making a convenient near place for the gamblers to encourage spending their ill gotten wealth? Or are those owned by some of the politicians? What is the meaning of off shore?

- vishwas prabhudesai, loliem | 16 th September 2010 07:28

 

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