In 2022, Maharashtra has garnered the unenviable distinction of having the highest number of cases filed under the Environment Protection Act on a national level, according to recently released data from the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB). The state witnessed one case being registered every two days, raising concerns about environmental degradation.
The Environment Protection Act aims to safeguard and enhance environmental quality by preventing, controlling, and reducing environmental pollution. Nationally, a total of 559 cases were registered in 2022, compared to 489 cases in 2021, with pending court cases standing at 42% and 47%, respectively.
Maharashtra claimed the top spot in the number of cases with a total of 198, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 103 cases, Telangana with nine, and Goa with four. In the preceding year, Maharashtra, UP, and Goa recorded 171, 25, and two cases, respectively. Experts attribute the surge in cases to rapid urbanization coupled with a lack of regulatory vigilance and grassroots-level action.
Mumbai recently experienced very poor air quality due to dust and smoke, prompting action by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) against around 60 major polluting installations. These included ready-mix concrete plants, infrastructure construction sites, and small industrial units with chimneys. Additionally, the MPCB imposed a ban on old commercial vehicles entering Mumbai.
Experts agree that offensive actions, such as the destruction of trees or mangroves, illegal dumping of garbage or construction waste, unregulated burning or incineration, unauthorized garbage burning, absence of dust control measures at construction sites, contamination of water bodies, and noise pollution, are primarily fueled by rapid urbanization.
The surge in cases, stemming from rapid development or redevelopment projects in urban and industrial areas, highlights the need for a robust people-centric proactive grievance redressal system and increased awareness among residents. Adhering to environmental norms, including the use of curtains and water sprinkling at construction sites, as well as ensuring the scientific disposal of debris and garbage, is crucial in mitigating such cases.
