Goa's Reis Magos Gram Sabha Erupts Over Casino Vessel Replacement Plan
In a heated session on Sunday, the Reis Magos gram sabha in Calangute, Goa, became the epicenter of a significant community uproar. The controversy revolves around a proposal by a prominent casino operator to replace an existing off-shore casino vessel with a new, larger 112-meter-long boat in the Mandovi river, positioned close to the shore near Reis Magos.
Villagers Threaten Protest Over Casino Expansion
A substantial number of villagers voiced their strong dissent during the meeting, expressing deep-seated frustrations. They argued that the new casino vessel would adversely affect local fishermen, whose livelihoods depend on the river's ecosystem. Many residents highlighted that they have not seen any tangible benefits from the casino operator, which already operates a massive resort in Nerul, adjacent to Reis Magos. In a show of collective action, the villagers threatened to organize a morcha (protest march) to the captain of ports (CoP) office in Panaji if the permission for the casino vessel is not revoked promptly.
Political Support and Environmental Concerns
Saligao MLA Kedar Naik, who attended the gram sabha, acknowledged the villagers' sentiments and pledged his support. He stated that he would formally write to the CoP, conveying the community's opposition to replacing the existing casino vessel with a bigger one. Naik recounted a recent incident from about a month ago, where he personally intervened to stop dredging activities in the Mandovi river after being alerted by villagers. He emphasized that this dredging was allegedly conducted to accommodate the new casino vessel, which the casino firm recently announced would be brought to the Mandovi river in April.
Local Governance and Community Resolutions
Sarpanch Sushmita Pednekar assured the gathering that the panchayat stands with the people. She committed to placing the issue before the upcoming panchayat meeting, where a resolution would be taken and subsequently communicated to the government authorities. This step aims to formally document and escalate the gram sabha's concerns regarding the casino vessel replacement.
Broader Development Issues in Reis Magos
Beyond the casino controversy, locals also raised pressing issues about mega housing projects proliferating in the village. They urged the panchayat to halt the issuance of construction licenses for additional projects, fearing a drastic change in the village's demography and infrastructure strain. In response, MLA Kedar Naik provided an update on a specific large housing project, noting that it had been scaled down from an initial approval for 600 flats to approximately 50 villas. He explained that this reduction was made in consideration of the villagers' concerns, as 600 flats could have introduced around 2,400 new residents, significantly altering the community's character.
Clarification on Marina Proposal
Addressing further community anxieties, MLA Naik firmly denied any plans for a marina along the Reis Magos-Nerul shoreline. After villagers expressed opposition to such a proposal, he clarified, "There is no such proposal," aiming to allay fears about additional commercial developments impacting the coastal area.
This gram sabha meeting underscores the growing tensions in Goa between commercial expansion, particularly in the casino and real estate sectors, and the preservation of local livelihoods, environmental integrity, and community identity. The outcomes of the proposed protests and official communications will be closely watched as stakeholders navigate these complex issues.
