New Delhi: India recorded 57,670 environment and pollution-related crimes in 2024, showing a 16.4% decline in the number of such crimes (68,994) reported in 2023, says the latest Crime in India report released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) of the Home Ministry.However, more than 80% (46,333 cases) of environment and pollution-related crimes relate to just one offense – violation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) – which bans advertising and regulates trade, commerce, production, supply and distribution of such products.Of the 53,682 people arrested, 42,235 were charged under COTPA. In most cases, a fine – environmental compensation – was imposed upon conviction for violation of various green laws.The number of crimes under the Noise Pollution Act stood at the second position (8,639), while the number of crimes under the Forest Act and Forest Conservation Act stood at the third (1,425) respectively. About 98% of all environmental and pollution crimes, combined, fall under these three headings.Under the noise pollution law, Rajasthan contributed to more than 95% of such cases in 2024 – the data reflects the state’s proactive approach towards filing complaints on violations involving the use of high-decibel sound systems (loudspeakers, DJ systems, etc.) during religious events and wedding processions/ceremonies.The NCRB report shows that the highest number of environment and pollution-related cases (26,475) were reported in Tamil Nadu in 2024, followed by Rajasthan (10,824), Kerala (9,143), Maharashtra (6,735) and Karnataka (1,214).Incidentally, the Union Territory of Delhi, which faces an air pollution crisis during winters every year due to multiple violations of various nature, did not register a single case under the Air Pollution Control Act, 1981, while neighboring Haryana, Punjab and UP did not register a single case under this head in 2024 despite facing hundreds of cases of stubble burning contributing to air pollution during winters.Overall, 18 cases were reported under air and water pollution control laws from all states and union territories in 2024, of which 50% (9) cases were reported from Tamil Nadu alone.Violations under the Environment (Protection) Act; Wildlife Protection Act; and National Green Tribunal Act are the other three major ones that feature in the list with 754, 497 and 4 cases being reported respectively.