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Goa’s Offshore Casinos Not Polluting River Mandovi: GOI Minister  

A recent news report states that the Rajya Sabha was notified that six of the offshore casinos in Goa have no environmental impact on the Mandovi river. A water audit carried out by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) indicated that the casinos are not polluting the river.

A written reply given to the Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament, Derek O’Brien in Rajya Sabha, stated that, “The GSPCB has informed that TUV SUD South Asia Pvt. Ltd. had carried out a water audit of River Mandovi to identify and evaluate potential environmental impacts, especially due to disposal of sewage with the operation of the casinos. The water audit indicated that there are no adverse environmental impacts of the operation of these vessels.”

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In order to address the environmental concerns, the Union Cabinet Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated that a project for treating 12.5 million litres of sewage at Panaji has been implemented under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). The project is said to cost about ₹14.09 crore.  

He also said, “In case of pollution in river Mandovi due to operation of off-shore casinos, it has been informed that wastewater discharge line is sealed by GSPCB and Captain of the ports after the transfer of wastewater from casino vessels to the sewage barge. Casinos are also monitored every four months by the committee constituted by the National Green Tribunal.”

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