NGT makes CRZ clearance must for offshore casinos

 Herald, May 1, 2022

Restrains casino anchored in River Mandovi, from operating without requisite CRZ clearance

PANJIM: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has made Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance mandatory for all offshore casinos vessels, operating in River Mandovi, within CRZ areas. 

As such, the Principal Bench headed by Chairperson Adarsh Kumar Goel has restrained offshore casino vessel Deltin Carevela, anchored in River Mandovi, from operating without requisite CRZ clearance. 

The Green bench also directed Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to assess and recover compensation for damage to the environment on account of operations by the Deltin Carevala, without requisite CRZ clearance, following due process of law. 

A social activist had filed an appeal challenging the permissibility of activities of Deltin Carevela by operating in CRZ-IV area, without requisite CRZ clearance in terms of CRZ Notification, 2011. 

“Any permissible activity in CRZ area requires water front or foreshore facilities, CRZ clearance is required. Foreshore activities are activities requiring waterfront for their operations including, navigational safety facility and port for embarking and disembarking,” the bench noted.

The activities of the Deltin Carevela involve running of a mobile ten storey hotel on a ship with facilities of restaurants, entertainment, etc. “In the process, foreshore facility such as navigational facility and mooring/berthing of the ship are covered by the foreshore facilities. Thus, CRZ clearance is required,” NGT said.

“Accordingly, we restrain the PP from conducting its operations unless it has CRZ clearance and if it does not have, till such clearance is granted,” the bench said directing them to also obtain consents under the Water and Air Acts from the GSPCB.

The bench has asked GSPCB to utilise the recovered amount for restoration of the environment by preparing an action plan.

The NGT has also asked the Board to ensure that the appropriate regulatory conditions with regard to treatment of solid and liquid waste generated in the course of operations and also air emissions and other eco-environmental aspects are incorporated in the consent.

There are six off shore casinos currently operational in River Mandovi. 

The applicant had pointed out that the Deltin Carevela vessel falls under CRZ- IV zone which is within 12 nautical miles (ie buffer zone) in the river and due to which fishing activities are hampered as there will be harm caused for breeding of the fishes in the area. He stated that getting a ship having 10 floors and just placing it in the river and conducting commercial activities within it is not correct and there should be some regulations imposed on such activities.

https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/NGT-makes-CRZ-clearance-must-for-offshore-casinos/189256