Goa offshore casinos face strict sewage control, watchdog orders online monitoring

Rajashree Seal
Written by Rajashree Seal

The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has confirmed that offshore casinos on the Mandovi river, known as the lifeline of Goa, are subject to strict sewage disposal regulations to prevent pollution.

The GSPCB has confirmed that stringent controls are in place for the disposal of sewage generated by these floating establishments. As per a local media report, a senior GSPCB official explained that each casino vessel is equipped with a sealed sewage collection tank onboard. The process of emptying these tanks is strictly controlled, with officials from both the GSPCB and the Captain of Ports department jointly supervising it.

The official said, “A GSPCB official and a representative from the Captain of Ports are stationed to monitor the collection tanks. When the tank is full, the seal can only be opened in the presence of both officers.” This measure ensures that no illicit garbage gets dumped into the Mandovi River.

The collected sewage is then transported by barge to the shore, from where tankers meticulously carry it to the sewage treatment plant at St Inez for comprehensive processing. This multi-stage system is designed to prevent any environmental compromise to the Mandovi river, which is central to Goa’s identity and well-being.

Mandatory online monitoring for transparency

In a further proactive step to bolster environmental safeguards, the GSPCB has also mandated that offshore casinos install online systems to monitor water quality around the vessels.

“The casino boats are anchored at fixed locations, which allows us to conduct water quality tests year-round. About four months ago, we instructed them to install online monitoring systems and they were expected to implement it,” the official added.

These systems continuously monitor the Mandovi river to prevent contamination and protect its ecological health.

With these reinforced measures, Goa aims to maintain its pristine environment while responsibly managing its tourism sector.

Goa’s casino expansion ignites controversy

This action comes amid continuous political turbulence in the coastal state of Goa, where the BJP-led government’s decision to denotify 3.3 lakh square meters of Tillari irrigation property in Dhargalim for a Delta Corp Ltd casino resort has triggered protests. Local residents and opposition leaders, including Congress MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira, demand its revocation, citing violations of the Goa Command Area Development Act. The state’s Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik has also sought a report on the decision, which contradicts the state’s 2025 Amritkal Agricultural Policy. Legal experts flagged procedural irregularities, while the government defends the move, citing ₹28 crore in conversion fees.

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