By Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 24: Three offshore casinos plying in the Mandovi river were sealed off today by the district administration for violating pollution norms.
 
The district administration swung into action after Goa State Pollution Control Board noticed gross violations by these casinos.
 
The casinos Rio, Caravela and Maharaja were sealed off by the officials as they did not had GSCB licence which is mandatory under hazardous waste management act.
 
North Goa Collector K Singh today confirmed the sealing stating that the officials from Bardez and Tiswadi taluka executed the sealing.
 
On March 18, this year, the GSPCB had directed all the six offshore casino operators in Goa, to suspend their operations, because they had failed to obtain its authorisation under rule 5 (1) of the Hazardous Waste Rules.
 
The action, however, came against only three casinos including Casino Caravela which has been in the state waters for nine years.
 
The pollution control board had issued notices after leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar began crusade against the offshore casinos for severe illegalities. He had said that the vessels were discharging sewerage in the Mandovi river.
 
Another government establishment, Food and Drugs administration has already sealed off restaurants on the five offshore casinos for operating without valid license.