Vijai: Need cap on number of casinos

Margao: Questioning whether the BJP government is really concerned about environment, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai has condemned the shifting of the casino vessel from Britona to near the Salim Ali wildlife sanctuary in Chorao. He has sought that the sanctuary, being an ‘ornithology wonder’, be protected
Sardesai also pointed out to the apprehensions expressed by noted environmentalist Prof Madhav Gadgil regarding the anchoring of the vessel near this ecological site and demanded that the vessel be immediately shifted back to Panaji where other casino vessels are anchored.
The Fatorda legislator also lashed out at chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar for the delay in appointing a gaming commissioner and framing rules to regulate the casino activity in the state while clarifying that he was not opposing the setting up of casinos, but underscored the need for a cap on their number. He also questioned why the government was being hasty in trying to give a license for an on-shore casino in a 5-star hotel and said that he would raise the matter during the forthcoming monsoon assembly session.