Can't shift casino vessels from river Mandovi abruptly: CM

Panaji: A day after a group of locals protested anchoring of an offshore casino vessels in river Mandovi, Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today ruled out the immediate possibility of shifting them.

"We are trying all possibilities to shift the vessels from Mandovi. Government is not sleeping. Just because few people want, we cannot shift them abruptly," Parsekar said.

He was responding to query on protest against casino Delt in Caravela being anchored near Chorao's Salim Ali wildlife sanctuary on city outskirts.

The protesters were headed by Independent legislator Rohan Khaunte, Congress MLA Pandurang Madkaikar and social activist Aires Rodrigues.

Parsekar said the Captain of Ports department has already been directed to choose an alternate site for relocation of these vessels from river Mandovi, adding that the process is on.

The activists have been protesting against all the off shore casino vessels which are currently anchored in River Mandovi.

He said abrupt shifting of casino vessel without giving them alternate site might prompt them to drag the government to the court.

Parsekar alleged that political opponents are creating issue over casinos as a 'poll gimmick' in Goa ahead of next year's Assembly elections.

He said state government has already moved a file to appoint Gaming Commission to regulate and monitor the casino industry.