Goa, June 5 -- Repeat offenders could face penalties of up to Rs.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.

Under the newly approved measures, individuals or entities found guilty of illegal hill cutting will face a fine of Rs.50 lakh for a first offence. The penalty will increase to Rs.75 lakh for a second violation, while a third offence will attract a hefty fine of Rs.1 crore.

The decision is aimed at strengthening enforcement against unauthorized alterations to Goa's hilly t...