57,670 environment and pollution-related crimes in 2024, most were under anti-tobacco law | India News

NEW DELHI: India reported 57,670 environment and pollution-related crimes in 2024, showing a decline of 16.4% over the number of such crimes (68,994) reported in 2023, flags the latest Crime in India report released by home ministry’s National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).Over 80% (46,333 cases) of environment and pollution-related crimes, however, pertain to just one offence — violation of Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) — that prohibits advertisement and regulates trade, commerce, production, supply and distribution of such products.Of 53,682 people arrested, 42,235 were charged under COTPA. In majority of the cases, conviction led to imposition of fines — environmental compensation — as specified for violating different green laws.Number of offences under Noise Pollution Act figures at second position (8,639) , while those under Forest Act and Forest Conservation Act figure at third (1,425), respectively. Nearly 98% of total environment and pollution related offences, put together, fall under these three heads.Under noise pollution law, Rajasthan contributed to more than 95% of such cases in 2024 — data shows the state’s pro-active approach towards registering complaints over violations linked to use of high-decibel sound systems (loudspeakers, DJ systems etc.) during religious events and marriage processions/celebrations.The NCRB report shows that the highest number of environment and pollution-related cases (26,475) were registered in Tamil Nadu, followed by Rajasthan (10,824), Kerala (9,143), Maharashtra (6,735) and Karnataka (1,214) in 2024.Incidentally, UT of Delhi, which faces air pollution crisis every year during winter due to multiple violations of different nature, did not file a single case under Air Pollution Control Act, 1981 whereas the neighbouring Haryana, Punjab and UP filed one case each under this head despite facing hundreds of instances of stubble burning cases that contributed to air pollution during the winter in 2024.Overall, 18 cases were reported in 2024 from all states and UTs, put together, under the air and water pollution control laws with 50% (9) of such cases being reported from Tamil Nadu alone.Violations under Environment (Protection) Act; Wildlife Protection Act; and National Green Tribunal Act are the other three heads which figured in the list with reporting 754, 497 and 4 cases, respectively.