New Delhi: India recorded 57,670 environment and pollution-related crimes in 2024, marking a 16.4% decrease from the 68,994 cases reported in 2023, according to the latest Crime in India report released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Dominance of Tobacco Law Violations
More than 80% of these crimes, totaling 46,333 cases, were related to violations of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). This law prohibits advertising and regulates the trade, commerce, production, supply, and distribution of tobacco products. Out of 53,682 individuals arrested, 42,235 were charged under COTPA. In most cases, convictions resulted in fines or environmental compensation as specified for violating green laws.
Other Major Offenses
Offenses under the Noise Pollution Act ranked second with 8,639 cases, followed by those under the Forest Act and Forest Conservation Act with 1,425 cases. Collectively, these three categories accounted for nearly 98% of all environment and pollution-related offenses.
Rajasthan contributed over 95% of noise pollution cases in 2024, reflecting the state's proactive approach to registering complaints about high-decibel sound systems used during religious events and marriage processions.
State-wise Distribution
Tamil Nadu registered the highest number of environment and pollution-related cases at 26,475, followed by Rajasthan (10,824), Kerala (9,143), Maharashtra (6,735), and Karnataka (1,214).
Notably, the Union Territory of Delhi, which faces severe air pollution every winter due to various violations, did not file a single case under the Air Pollution Control Act of 1981. In contrast, neighboring states Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh each registered one case under this act, despite hundreds of stubble-burning incidents that contributed to winter air pollution in 2024.
Air and Water Pollution Cases
Overall, only 18 cases were reported nationwide under air and water pollution control laws in 2024, with half of them (9 cases) coming from Tamil Nadu alone.
Other notable categories included violations under the Environment (Protection) Act (754 cases), Wildlife Protection Act (497 cases), and National Green Tribunal Act (4 cases).
About the Author: Vishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India, covering environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources, and clean energy. He has been tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy since 2003.
