Repeat offenders could face penalties of up to ₹1 crore under the new enforcement measures aimed at protecting Goa’s natural landscape.
In a significant move to curb environmental violations, Goa Minister Vishwajit Rane announced that the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Board has approved stringent penalties for illegal hill cutting across the state.
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Under the newly approved measures, individuals or entities found guilty of illegal hill cutting will face a fine of ₹50 lakh for a first offence. The penalty will increase to ₹75 lakh for a second violation, while a third offence will attract a hefty fine of ₹1 crore.
The decision is aimed at strengthening enforcement against unauthorized alterations to Goa’s hilly terrain and safeguarding the state’s fragile ecology. Illegal hill cutting has been a matter of concern in recent years, with environmentalists and local communities raising objections over its impact on natural drainage systems, biodiversity, and landscape stability.
Minister Rane said the enhanced penalties reflect the government’s commitment to protecting Goa’s environment and ensuring stricter compliance with planning and development regulations.
The move is expected to act as a strong deterrent against violations and reinforce efforts to preserve the state’s natural heritage amid growing developmental pressures.
Authorities are expected to implement the revised penalty structure through the relevant regulatory and enforcement mechanisms in the coming months.
