Environment crimes in India drop 16.4% in 2024, according to the latest Crime in India report released by the National Crime Records Bureau. India reported 57,670 environment and pollution-related crimes in 2024, down from 68,994 cases in 2023. While the overall decline may look positive, the data show that most cases were not directly linked to air, water, forest, or wildlife offenses. Instead, the majority came under violations of the anti-tobacco law.

More than 80% of all environment and pollution-related crimes, or 46,333 cases, were registered under the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act. The law prohibits advertisement and regulates the trade, commerce, production, supply, and distribution of tobacco products. Of the 53,682 people arrested, 42,235 were booked under COTPA.

Anti-Tobacco Law Dominates the Crime Count

The NCRB data shows that nearly 98% of total environment and pollution-related offenses came under just three categories: COTPA, the Noise Pollution Act, and the Forest Act/Forest Conservation Act. In many cases, convictions led to fines or environmental compensation, depending on the law violated.

Noise pollution cases formed the second-largest category with 8,639 cases. Rajasthan accounted for more than 95% of noise pollution cases, reflecting active complaint registration against high-decibel loudspeakers, DJ systems, religious events, and marriage processions.

Key NCRB Data on Environment Crimes in 2024

States With Highest Cases

• Tamil Nadu led the list: The state registered the highest number of environment and pollution-related cases, with 26,475 cases in 2024.
• Rajasthan ranked second: Rajasthan reported 10,824 cases, largely influenced by noise pollution complaints.
• Kerala followed closely: Kerala recorded 9,143 cases, placing it third nationally.
• Maharashtra reported major numbers: Maharashtra registered 6,735 cases.
• Karnataka completed the top five: Karnataka reported 1,214 cases in 2024.

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Pollution Law Cases Remain Very Low

A striking part of the NCRB data is the low number of cases under air and water pollution laws. Across all states and Union Territories, only 18 cases were reported under air and water pollution control laws in 2024. Tamil Nadu alone reported 9 of these cases.

Delhi, despite facing severe winter air pollution every year, did not register a single case under the Air Pollution Control Act, 1981. Neighboring Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh filed just one case each, despite frequent stubble-burning episodes contributing to seasonal air pollution.

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Final Takeaway

The fact that environment crimes in India drop 16.4% in 2024 is important, but the deeper story is more complex. Most recorded cases were linked to anti-tobacco violations, while direct air and water pollution cases remained extremely low. The data points to a major gap between environmental violations on the ground and the number of formal cases registered under India’s core pollution control laws.

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