Environment-related offences fell in 2018; 8 states buck trend

News: National Crime Records Bureau released data on environmental crimes in Annual Crime in India report 2018

Facts:

Key takeaways

• Environmental crimes dropped 17% in 2018
• Tamil Nadu topped the list, followed by Rajasthan and Kerala
• almost two-thirds of such violations were that of the cigarette and tobacco-related law

Additional Information:

Environmental Crimes:

The offences related to eight acts:

• The Forest Act, 1927: It consolidates the law related to forest, the transit of forest produce, and the duty liable on timber and other forest produce
• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: It provides for protection of plants and animal species.
• The Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986: It relates to the protection and improvement of the human environment and the prevention of hazards to human beings, other living creatures, plants and property.
• The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: It provides for the prevention, control and abatement of air pollution.
• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: It is a comprehensive legislation that regulates agencies responsible for checking on water pollution
• The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003: It prohibits advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products in India. Smoking in public places (including indoor workplaces) is prohibited
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Act, 2010: It established NGT to handle the expeditious disposal of the cases pertaining to environmental issues
• Central and state noise pollution acts