The Indian Congress is criticizing the state government of Goa for its decision to grant yet another six-month extension to offshore casinos operating on the River Mandovi in Panaji.
Discussions about relocating the boats first began in 2012, in part due to complaints by residents that they disrupt the local fishing industry; the boats were originally due to move in 2014, when their licenses expired. Since then, lawmakers have offered repeated extensions to the operators.
According to the Times of India, Goa Congress spokesman Sunil Kawthankar told reporters that the latest extension was passed by the government on March 8 with no discussion or debate. He pointed out that senior BJP leader Manohar Parrikar, now the state chief minister, led protests against the casino boats seven years ago. “The BJP came to power in 2012 with an assurance that it will move out casinos from the Mandovi River,” he said.
The last six-month extension from the Parrikar government, issued in September of last year, was due to expire on March 31. The new extension expires on September 31 of this year. The government has claimed it can find no suitable place to relocate the boats; Asia Gaming Brief reports that sites at Aguada Bay, Zuari, Chapora and River Sal were dismissed after intense local opposition. The government last year indicated that it may create a special gaming zone for casinos near the proposed international airport at Mopa in North Goa.
