State sees surge in green crimes
With around 127 cases recorded in Maharashtra under the EPA, the number was the highest among all states.
Mumbai: Maharashtra recorded a significant surge in crimes related to the environment in 2017, with the number of offences registered for the year more than double as compared to 2016, revealed a report by the National Crime Records Bureau released on Tuesday.
The total number of crimes recorded was 439 in 2017, as against 170 in 2016.
The offences were recorded under the Wildlife Protection Act, Environment Protection Act and issues related to air, water and noise pollution.
Among major cities, Mumbai recorded the highest number of offences under the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986, at 31; while 87 cases were registered under the Noise Pollution Act in 2017.
Meanwhile, Mahara-shtra recorded 52 cases under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
With around 127 cases recorded in Maharashtra under the EPA, the number was the highest among all states.
“These are cases pertaining to the destruction of wetlands, mangroves, illegal sand-mining and pollution-related issues. They are also widely covered under EPA. While the cases of noise pollution are more in number, the situation has improved since 2017 with more strict measures,” said a state official.
Maharashtra also recorded 154 cases under The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, a new addition in the report.
In addition to this, Maharashtra was the only state to have registered offences (12) under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
“The increase in overall cases related to the environment is also due to the addition of offences under the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act,” the official further added.