Govt to inspect land denotified for casino firm

Panaji: The directorate of agriculture has directed the water resources department (WRD) to organise a joint inspection of 3.3 lakh sqm of irrigation land at Dhargalim, which govt has decided to denotify for a casino firm.The purpose of this inspection is to determine the quality of soil and the type of crops cultivated on that land.A senior officer of the directorate of agriculture said the department has written an official letter to the WRD to conduct a site inspection.The officer said that based on the inspection, a detailed report will be sent to agriculture minister Ravi Naik.Two months after govt’s Goa State Amritkal Agriculture Policy, 2025, was introduced to revitalise farming and make the state self-sufficient, chief minister Pramod Sawant-led govt denotified the 3.3 lakh sqm of the Tillari command area at Dhargalim to pave the way for Delta Corp Ltd, a casino gaming company, to set up an integrated resort.The project, which will come up at the command area of the Tillari irrigation project, comprises three hotels, a convention centre, a multiplex, a retail area, a water park, banquet facilities, and a children’s entertainment area among other amenities.Naik has sought a detailed report from the agriculture secretary. The minister questioned whether the Tillari Irrigation Command Area Authority granted its clearance for the conversion of the land in question.

Referring to a TOI report, Naik, who was not present at the cabinet meeting that took the decision, in a note moved to the agriculture secretary, said that on Feb 6, 2025, the cabinet approved the Goa State Amritkal Agricultural Policy.“In terms of the policy, areas under the command of major, medium, and minor irrigation projects are to be banned from being converted for non-agricultural use,” Naik said.His note added, “The Times of India has reported a news article under the heading, ‘State ignores its agri policy, hands over 3.3L sqm irrigation land to casino firm’.”The members of the Tillari Irrigation Development Board have urged an immediate Command Areas Development board meeting to discuss govt’s decision to denotify the land.