Goa's Captain of Ports Grants Interim Permission for Casino Vessel Relocation
The Captain of Ports department in Goa has issued an interim authorization to Delta Corp, permitting the relocation of the offshore casino vessel MV Horseshoe, which operates under the brand Deltin Royale. The vessel will be anchored near the Patto bridge temporarily, as preparations advance for the introduction of a significantly larger 112-metre vessel into the state's gaming sector.
Timeline and Permanent Shift Mandated
Captain of Ports Octavio Rodrigues clarified that Delta Corp has received approval to anchor Deltin Royale at the new site until April 30. Following this deadline, the vessel must be permanently moved to the location currently occupied by Royale Floatel. Consequently, Royale Floatel will be relocated out of the River Mandovi, marking a strategic reshuffle in Goa's casino operations.
"The new casino will come in place of the MV Horseshoe at Verem, as that is the only place feasible for its size. The MV Horseshoe will take the place of the smaller vessel, which is the Dolphin casino," Rodrigues explained. The incoming vessel is projected to host over 1,000 individuals, a substantial increase from the existing vessel's capacity of 390, potentially boosting tourism and revenue but also raising concerns about congestion and regulatory oversight.
Public Opposition and Activist Demands
The relocation has ignited protests from local residents and activists. AAP state president Valmiki Naik and activist Sabina Martins led a delegation to meet Rodrigues, vehemently opposing the entry of the new vessel into the Mandovi river. They urged authorities to maintain the status quo and prevent further proliferation of casinos in the area.
"Do not allow proliferation of casinos. That is our demand. We will approach ports minister Digambar Kamat and meet the chief minister," Martins asserted, highlighting plans to escalate the matter to higher political levels. Naik specifically demanded that no temporary relocation be permitted, emphasizing community concerns over environmental and social impacts.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety Measures
In response to the opposition, Rodrigues outlined strict regulatory criteria for the new vessel's approval. "If they do not have survey documents, if they do not have compliance, then I will definitely not allow the vessel to come in. But if the vessel has all the papers and survey documents, I cannot stop anything. I can only stop the vessel if they do not have the statutory documents and survey certificates," he stated, underscoring the department's commitment to legal adherence.
To enhance safety and monitoring, the Captain of Ports department is developing a mobile application designed to track the number of people on each casino vessel in real time. Additionally, proposals have been made for a dedicated firefighting tug and a water ambulance, aiming to improve emergency response capabilities and ensure passenger safety in the bustling river environment.
This interim permission sets the stage for a significant transformation in Goa's offshore casino landscape, balancing economic interests with public accountability and regulatory rigor.
