Maharashtra witnesses the highest number of cases filed under the Environment Protection Act in 2022: NCRB

By: Pune pulse

December 8, 2023

Pune: In 2022, Maharashtra witnessed the highest number of cases filed under the Environment Protection Act on a national level. According to recently published data from the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), one case was registered every two days.

The primary objective of this act is to safeguard and enhance environmental quality by preventing, controlling, and reducing environmental pollution. Across the country, a total of 559 cases were registered in 2022, compared to 489 cases in 2021. The pending court cases were 42% and 47% for the respective years.

In terms of the number of cases, Maharashtra ranked first on the list with a total of 198 cases. Uttar Pradesh followed closely behind with 103 cases, while Telangana reported nine cases and Goa had four cases. Moving on to the year 2021, Maharashtra, UP, and Goa recorded 171, 25, and two cases, respectively. The surge in cases can be attributed to rapid urbanization and a lack of regulatory vigilance and action at the grassroots level, according to experts.

Recently, due to dust and smoke, Mumbai experienced a very poor air quality index. In response, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) took action against approximately 60 major polluting installations, primarily including ready-mix concrete plants, infrastructure construction sites, and small industrial units with chimneys. Additionally, the MPCB implemented a ban on old commercial vehicles entering Mumbai.

A high-ranking authority agreed that the primary cause of these offensive actions, such as the destruction of trees or mangroves, illegal dumping of garbage or construction waste, unregulated burning or incineration, unauthorized garbage burning, the absence of dust control measures at construction sites, contamination of water bodies, and noise pollution, is rapid urbanization.

As per the information provided, these cases arise due to rapid development or redevelopment projects in urban and industrial areas. By implementing a robust people-centric proactive grievance redressal system and raising awareness among residents, the occurrence of such cases will naturally decrease.

He also highlighted the importance of adhering to environmental norms, such as using curtains and water sprinkling at construction sites, as well as ensuring the scientific disposal of debris and garbage.