Mapusa/Margao, Aug 17 (TOI): The government's proposed move to shift the casinos to Zuari and Chapora rivers has evoked a strong reaction from stakeholders on the rim of both rivers, as they are apprehensive about the impact on their life and traditional fisheries.
The traditional fishermen are already facing setbacks due to problems of navigation in the rivers, be it the sand bars or other problems. "Thousands of villagers from Siolim, Morjim and Badem are dependent on the fishing activity in river Chapora and they will be faced with unemployment if the casinos are shifted here," said Balbhim Malvankar, chairman of Chapora boat owner's association co-operative credit society.
The society has around 80 registered trawlers. The owners of these vessels are upset over the formation of sand bars at the river mouth, which hinders navigation. The association has demanded breakwater construction to prevent formation of sand bar. "Baddem which is well known for shell fish will be destroyed," Malvankar said.
The villagers are worried about the impact of casinos on the state's image and their social life, as Goa is getting an image of being a gamblers paradise.
"Drugs and prostitution are giving Anjuna a bad name. If the casino muck is brought to Chapora, it will be like a living hell. People are furious over late night drug parties," said Savio Almeida deputy sarpanch of Anjuna. He pointed out that students are dropping out at standard eight and getting addicted to drugs. "We will call a special gram sabha to oppose casinos in Chapora," Almeida said.
Though the government has assured necessary infrastructure, the Chapora jetty is in a state of decay. It lacks basic facilities. Recently, the shed at the jetty was damaged while railings fell apart. The floor has developed cracks and bollards have also corroded and broken.
A resident of Thane-Cortalim, Devendra Kenkre claimed that he had taken up the issue of shifting of casinos, but panchayat authorities sought to dissuade him. "The government has taken a decision due to certain reasons. Why Cortalim residents should accept it," he asked.
Kenkre, who is former president of the Cortalim block Congress, questioned environment minister and local MLA Alina Saldanha's silence.
Former deputy sarpanch and panch Raymond D'Sa pointed out that Cortalim panchayat body had adopted a resolution against the proposal in a meeting on August 13.
"This is not solving the problem but merely shifting the burden from one end by dumping it on the other. When we are firmly opposing the marinas there is no question of permitting the shifting of the casino vessels," he said.
The narrow channel is busy with heavy traffic and it will increase with resumption of mining.
Pointing out that by definition the off-shore casinos cannot be permitted in the inland waters of the state, D'Sa opined, "Now, our children play football on the football ground, their future will get ruined if they start visiting these casinos."
Former sarpanch Anthony Miranda added, "Cortalim is a small peaceful village with many houses on the river banks. Hence, we oppose the shifting of the casinos as there will be a lot of noise disturbing the tranquility of the village. There is no need to shift the casinos that will only trouble the local villagers."