The Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department has announced fines of up to INR 1 crore for illegal hill cutting activities. TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane clarified that no permissions for hill cutting were granted in the past six months. To prevent future violations, the department will introduce new guidelines, including mandatory soil stabilisation reports. These measures are aimed at ensuring the stricter enforcement of environmental laws and holding offenders accountable. The Goa government is aiming to crack down heavily on offenders and to protect the environment. These measures will ensure strong action against those who engage in illegal activities in Goa.
The Goa government is taking strong action against illegal hill cutting and other activities in environmentally sensitive areas. Last week, the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister Vishwajit Rane announced that the TCP department is planning to impose hefty fines of up to INR 1 crore for violations. This move is aimed at deterring illegal activities that could harm the environment.
Minister Rane clarified that no permissions for hill cutting have been granted by the department in the last six months. He mentioned that the conversion sanad for the Reis Magos villa project was issued in 1994, and the change of zone was part of the Regional Plan 2001. He emphasised that the first approval for the project was given in 1995, with a revised approval in 2008. Rane pointed out that incorrect information is being spread about this issue, and reiterated that no recent permissions for hill cutting have been granted.
To strengthen enforcement, Rane stated that the TCP department plans to amend its regulations. The amendments will include fines ranging from INR 1 lakh to INR 1 crore for violations such as illegal hill cutting and unauthorised plotting. The amount of the fine will depend on the size of the plot. Rane believes that these fines will act as a strong deterrent against illegal activities and enable the department to take immediate action against violators.
Rane also mentioned that despite filing First Information Reports (FIRs) and taking matters to court, violators are often not deterred. He called on other departments, including the deputy collector, mamlatdar, and talathis, to take action against these illegalities as directed by the Chief Minister. Rane made it clear that since the TCP department has not granted any recent permissions, there should be no new permissions issued.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant previously highlighted the recent Wayanad landslide as a wake-up call for Goa. He instructed authorities to conduct stability studies in landslide-prone areas and ordered talathis to closely monitor hill cutting activities. Following this, there has been increased scrutiny of the TCP department's activities, with calls to stop land conversions and development on slopes.
Rane added that new guidelines will be established in the future, including mandatory soil stabilisation reports from engineers before any construction or hill cutting on slopes is approved. These measures are expected to further prevent environmental violations in the state.
In conclusion, The Goa government, through the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, is taking decisive action against illegal hill cutting and environmental violations by imposing hefty fines of up to INR 1 crore. With no permissions granted for hill cutting in the past six months, the government aims to deter illegal activities and protect sensitive areas. New guidelines, including mandatory soil stabilisation reports, will further strengthen enforcement and accountability. These measures reflect a commitment to safeguarding the environment and ensuring that offenders face significant consequences for their actions.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
