PANAJI: The Goa Cabinet on Monday sought three months time to decide an alternative site for off-shore casinos in Mandovi river.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told The Hindu that the State government had decided to explore alternative sites for relocation of the casinos but was restricted by the election code of conduct of the February 4 Assembly polls.
“Now, the government will identify alternative sites in three months,” Mr. Parrikar said, adding that an extension of three more months has been kept aside, because “if the government needs 15-20 days more beyond three months, it need not rush to the Cabinet.”
The casinos can operate in Mandovi river till the end of this month. Under pressure from women’s groups and civil society groups, Former CM Laxmikat Parsekar-led State government had been trying to find alternative location for the casinos, but attempts could not materialise as “people in the proposed areas opposed casinos”.
As many as five casinos are operating in the river presently. Recently, an old license was renewed by the government after the operator paid huge revenue arrears to the State exchequer.
