Vishwajit Rane has clarified that Section 17A of the Town and Country Planning Act was introduced as early as 1997 and is not a recent provision, while stressing that the government does not permit hill cutting beyond a 25 per cent gradient.
Addressing the issue, the minister explained that although Section 17A existed since 1997, it functioned without detailed guidelines until 2010. At that time, certain provisions allowed hill cutting even on slopes exceeding a 25 per cent gradient.
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However, the law was amended in 2018 to introduce stricter regulations. Under the amendment, hill cutting was restricted to areas with slopes up to 25 per cent gradient, and the penalty for violations was increased to ₹10 lakh.
Rane emphasised that the government does not allow hill cutting beyond the prescribed limit and warned that strict action is being taken against violations. He stated that cases of illegal plotting and unauthorised hill cutting are being dealt with firmly.
According to the minister, First Information Reports (FIRs) are being registered against those found involved in illegal activities related to hill cutting and land development.
The clarification comes amid growing concerns over land development and environmental protection in Goa, with authorities reiterating that regulations under the TCP Act are being enforced to prevent unauthorised alterations to hill slopes.
