Panaji Residents Launch Signature Campaign to Remove Casinos from Mandovi River
In a significant move against the proliferation of casinos on the Mandovi River, residents of Panaji, Goa, convened on Tuesday to launch a signature campaign aimed at presenting their grievances to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. The meeting, organized under the banner 'Ponjekars against casinos,' attracted a substantial turnout of concerned citizens determined to address the mounting issues caused by the gaming industry.
Growing Opposition to Casino Operations
Human rights activist Sabina Martins emphasized that the signature campaign is designed to raise public awareness and advocate for the immediate relocation of casinos from the Mandovi River. "By having a signature campaign, we want to create awareness against the casinos and ensure they are moved out of the Mandovi River at the earliest," Martins stated. The campaign's primary immediate demand is to halt the government's plan to allow a casino operator to replace an older, smaller vessel with a significantly larger one capable of accommodating 2,000 seats.
Martins expressed strong opposition to this expansion, warning, "We don't want a 2000-seat capacity boat. It will further aggravate the problems that the citizens of Panaji already face." Other speakers echoed these concerns, highlighting that the future and sustainability of Goa's state capital are at risk due to the adverse effects of casino operations and associated businesses flourishing in the city.
Civic and Environmental Concerns Amplified
The speakers pointed out that the presence of casinos has severely exacerbated Panaji's civic issues, including waste management problems. Former councillor Patricia Pinto revealed alarming data: in January 2025, the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) was expected to handle 850 kg of waste from casinos, but instead received 39,890 kg. "Who are they trying to fool?" Pinto questioned, underscoring the discrepancy and its impact on local infrastructure.
This revelation sparked further criticism, with attendees raising the pivotal question: "If the CCP does not have jurisdiction over casinos, why does it accept waste from casinos?" This issue highlights the regulatory ambiguities and environmental burdens imposed by the casino industry on Panaji's municipal systems.
Historical Context and Government Inaction
Advocate Albertina Almeida provided historical context, noting that the BJP government in 2013 had made a policy decision to relocate offshore casinos. However, she criticized the administration for continuously renewing casino licenses under the pretext of not finding an alternative site. This perceived inaction has fueled public frustration and galvanized the community into action through the signature campaign.
The collective efforts of Panaji residents reflect a growing determination to hold authorities accountable and protect the city from the negative impacts of casino operations, setting the stage for a potential showdown with state officials over environmental and urban sustainability concerns.
