Chowgules Offer Alternate Location For Goa`s Offshore Casinos, Moot Special Casino-Zone

In an interesting development, Gayatriraje Chowgule a member of the century old Chowgule Group has offered to relocate casinos at a private location on the banks of the River Zuari, besides stating that the venue could be converted into a casino-zone, with enough space to accommodate 10 to 12 casinos. The govt however, has yet to respond to the offer.

Gayatriraje Chowgule had forwarded the proposal to the BJP govt in early February this year, but the matter has come to light now, with the ongoing casino-removal agitation by activists and opposition parties.

The ongoing ruckus between the pro-casino BJP and the anti-casino brigade had reached new heights, with the govt renewing a floating casino license for the Deltin Caravela and anchoring it near the protected Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Chorgao Island, causing an uproar from locals, opposition politicos and activists.

Laxmikant Parsekar, Chief Minister (CM) had responded by firmly stating that the casinos could not be removed as it would hurt investors.

Speaking to The Navhind Times, Chowgule said that the proposal was only to help out the government and that the company had no personal dealings with the casinos.

“We are not hosting the casinos as it has been perceived, but we are only facilitating the government and have only proposed a site. It is for the government to take a decision if it is feasible to do so.”

Reacting to the opposition faced by the casinos, Chowgule candidly admitted, “I know I have walked into the lion’s mouth, but it is for the government to curb the ‘bad side’. My proposal is only keeping in mind that the government has been in search of a site to relocate the casino vessels and this site would not be proposed by the government.”

She added that it was the duty of the govt to ensure that all regulations pertaining to law and environment were complied with, besides taking care that villagers, the fishing community and local authorities were comfortable, with no disturbance to anybody.

The offer from Chowgule indeed, has taken into consideration all the above points. Chowgule pointed out that the proposed land was far from the highly populated areas of Goa and the only village was at the end of a road that was blocked. Additionally, the coastal and engineering division of the Central Water and Power Research Station from Pune had already conducted studies and research.

Chowgule said that the research held good even today and in her proposal letter wrote, “The site that I have proposed in my aforesaid letter has been researched, confirmed and then pinpointed as the best location in Goa by Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) for their 150 boats fishing harbour project in the year 1995. This research still stands good. Therefore, this model studied site can safely be extended to harbour a condominium of 10-12 off-shore casinos as a ‘special off-shore casino zone.”

Chowgule further stated that the location came under the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) and the Captain of Ports (CoP), who was consulted by the Goa govt, could not suggest this site. Citing legal precedents she said, “The site is far away from MPT’s operational area and there is no mention in the Major Port Trusts Act 1963 to restrict off-shore casinos from MPT’s jurisdiction.”

The offered land belongs to Daulat Chowgule and is three kilometers north of Dabolim airport. The property has 300 meters of waterfront on the River Zuari and enough space for parking on its internal roads.

This May, the property was inspected by the Goa Home Department along with MPT and CoP personnel, who have given it a thumbs up. However, as the property is under the jurisdiction of the MPT, a policy decision would be required for a go-ahead.

Chowgule reiterated that the offer was fueled out of a concern of better prospects for the state and also suggested a tourism project, with water sports to attract more visitors. The proposal includes the building of a 260-metre long and 10-metre wide piled jetty to cater to super yachts, water sports vessels and houseboats.