The most debated and controversial issue of Casino relocation in Goa is taking new turn every time. The CM of Goa preferred to remain silent over the issue of Casino relocation putting the onus on the ports minister Dilip Parulekar, “Why do you want me to speak? Ports minister is looking into the matter, I have full faith in his decision,” Parsekar said. He was responding to the question fired by the media over the casino vessels relocation issue saying if the government failed to identify the alternative site for the relocation by September.
According to the available information the first license will expire on August 29 and as per the earlier commitment of the ports minister the licenses of the casino will not be renewed under any circumstances if they do not relocate. Casino operators were granted operating licenses for five years with an undertaking to shift out of river Mandovi within two years of signing it.
When asked by the media if the alternative site will be ready by September for the relocation, the chief minister preferred to remain silent and did not bother to reply to the question on whether casino vessels would be allowed to operate or anchor in river Mandovi post expiry of the license. As announced by Parulekar earlier, the government is considering relocating the four offshore casino vessels to Aguada bay by December 2015. The Captain of Ports has identified four locations, including Aguada bay, river Sal, river Chapora and river Zuari.
As per the information, the licence of the casino Deltin Jaqk expires on August 29, 2015 followed by casino M V Pride of Goa on September 12, 2015, Deltin Royale in October and casino Pride II’s deadline ending on December 3, 2015.
Source: PTI
