The Enough is Enough movement, spearheaded by former Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello, is intensifying its efforts to have offshore casino boats on the Mandovi River in Goa shut down. This environmental group, which recently established a permanent headquarters in Panaji, is voicing strong opposition to the floating casinos that many locals believe are detrimental to both the ecosystem and the community.
For years, the presence of these casino boats has drawn ire from Goans. Critics argue that they not only congest river traffic but also jeopardize local fisheries and the environment. Rebello, a prominent figure in the movement, has pointed out that these operations may be in violation of India’s Gambling Act and has made formal appeals to Goa's Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, urging for their removal.
Statement:
Rebello has made it clear that he plans to reach out again to the government, emphasizing the reasons why these casinos should not be permitted to operate in Goa. He hinted that if the government remains unresponsive, it may lead the populace to consider a change in governance.
Rebello, who has taken charge of this grassroots initiative against overdevelopment across India, is now mobilizing support in various talukas—administrative divisions that encompass clusters of villages. His organization is advocating for local lawmakers to adopt resolutions aimed at curbing overdevelopment and rejecting expedited land conversion requests.
According to reports, the Enough is Enough movement asserts that unchecked construction not only endangers the local ecology but also strains power resources, potentially altering Goa's cultural identity, heritage, and even the Konkani language.
Goa's Casino Landscape
While casino gambling remains illegal at the federal level in India, Goa is one of the states where it is permitted. Currently, the state hosts 13 casinos, with seven on land and six operating offshore in the Mandovi River. In a recent statement, Chief Minister Sawant indicated that the number of offshore casinos would remain capped at six, following a significant increase in licensing fees aimed at new land-based operators.
“The number of offshore casinos is fixed at six,” Sawant clarified. “The fee increase pertains only to those seeking to establish new onshore casinos.”
Despite repeated promises from Goa officials to relocate the Mandovi casino boats to different waterways, no concrete actions have been taken. The recent announcement of higher licensing fees coincided with rising protests from residents who are particularly concerned about plans for a large 2,000-passenger casino boat that could replace an existing smaller vessel.
About Marjorie Preston
Marjorie Preston entered the gaming industry in 2007 and has concentrated on Asian gaming markets since 2020. Beyond her professional pursuits, she enjoys writing about travel and film and has a passion for playing the drums.
Comments