Raj records second-highest environmental offence cases

Jaipur: Rajasthan recorded the second-highest number of environment-related offences in the country in 2024 and topped India in noise pollution violations, according to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, highlighting the growing enforcement challenge posed by environmental offences in the state.

Tamil Nadu reported the highest number of environment-related offences with 26,475 cases, while Rajasthan registered 10,824 cases during 2024. The figures place Rajasthan ahead of several larger states and point to increased policing and stricter enforcement of environmental laws, especially in urban areas.

NCRB data shows that environment-related offences in Rajasthan have remained consistently high over the last three years. The state recorded 9,529 cases in 2022, which fell to 7,794 in 2023 before rising sharply again in 2024.

Officials attributed the increase largely to intensified enforcement and greater registration of cases rather than a sudden spike in any single category of crime.

The most significant figure relates to noise pollution. Rajasthan accounted for 8,264 noise pollution cases in 2024 — the highest in the country by a wide margin. Police officials said most violations were linked to loudspeakers, DJ systems, marriage processions, religious events and the use of high-decibel sound systems beyond permissible hours.

Cities including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Kota witnessed repeated enforcement drives against loudspeaker violations. “Noise pollution complaints have increased because of rapid urban expansion and greater public awareness. Police stations are now more actively registering such cases,” a senior police official said.

Experts said Rajasthan’s high numbers may also reflect stricter enforcement compared to states where similar violations often go unreported or are settled informally without FIRs.

Apart from noise pollution, Rajasthan also figured prominently in wildlife-related offences. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the state registered 205 cases in 2024, placing it among the leading states in this category. Officials said districts around wildlife reserves and protected zones remain sensitive due to illegal hunting, wildlife trade and encroachments.

Under the Forest Act and Forest Conservation Act, Rajasthan registered 133 cases in 2024, while Uttar Pradesh topped the country with 896 cases.

Nationally, states together recorded 57,429 environment-related offences in 2024, with Rajasthan accounting for a substantial share of the total cases registered outside Tamil Nadu.
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