The Goa government has announced fines of Rs 50 lakh, Rs 75 lakh and Rs 1 crore for hill cutting violations. However, several important concerns still remain unclear.
Firstly, what concrete preventive measures are being put in place to stop illegal hill cutting before it begins?
Secondly, if a developer or any party is found guilty of hill cutting, will they still be allowed to continue the project after paying the fine? Will permissions be cancelled and licences revoked to ensure there is a real deterrent against such violations?
Thirdly, what action will be taken against projects where hill cutting has already taken place despite repeated public assurances from the Government over the past few years? Will such projects be reviewed or stopped under a strict zero-tolerance policy?
The public deserves greater clarity and stronger enforcement on this important environmental issue.
