Panaji: The Goa government has asked six offshore casinos to move away from the Mandovi river basin citing that these vessels are flouting licensing norms.

Captain of ports A Mascarenhas sent notices to these casino operators this week and has directed them to shift their vessels to Aguada bay in the next 15 days.

 

The state cabinet had last month decided to issue notices to these casinos following public outcry and a campaign led by main opposition BJP.

 

While the BJP said that some licences were given by bending rules, Goa tourism minister Mickey Pacheco said the vessels were polluting the Mandovi river as they released sewage into it. Pacheco also expressed his displeasure over the illegal operations carried out by these vessels.