Goa's Floating Casinos in Trouble

Goa is the dream destination for millions of tourists. Tourists are often lured by the white sands, palm beaches and dreamy blue water of Goa. However, Goa is heading for another controversy with people opposing the floating casinos to land on the shores of Goa. According to reports, at least 11 ships could start operating along the coast by the end of the year.

The campaigners argue that the casinos will not only cause environmental damage, but also will have a negative impact on the society and culture of Goa. The Catholic Church has taken the lead in campaigning against the floating casinos. The campaigners hope that the state government would change its stand and block any such proposals that go against the wishes of the people in Goa.

According to the protesters, the casinos will spoil Goa's fishing ground and will cause extensive damage to the fishing industry. There will be a further degradation in the environment with a large number of fishes and other fossils dying because of those casinos. Another aspect is the social damage. Many youths and people will be spending more money on the casinos and that will have a detrimental effect on their families.

People living around the Sal River have formed the Save River Sal Front to oppose any such moves to have floating casinos in their area. There is already one floating casino in the area, called the MV Caravela. However, the government is planning to set up many more to cater to the demands in the upcoming tourist season.

With the state government and industries eyeing on foreign tourists, chances are bleak that the government would scrap the proposals to set up more casinos in the state. The battle line has been drawn. The conflict is expected to aggravate further in the coming days.