Who monitors environmental crimes?
National Crime Records Bureau releases an annual report on crimes in India which includes a chapter on environmental crimes under major environmental laws. This report provides data state-wise and has a section on mega cities
What are the major environmental laws?
Indian Forest Act, 1927: Attempts to consolidate and reserve the areas having forest cover, or significant wildlife, to regulate movement and transit of forest produce. It also defines the procedure to be followed for declaring an area to be a Reserved Forest, a Protected Forest or a Village Forest. It defines what is a forest offence, what are the acts prohibited inside a Reserved Forest, and penalties leviable on violation of the provisions of the Act
Wild Life Protection Act, 1972: Provides for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants. It extends to the whole of India, except the State of Jammu and Kashmir which has its own wildlife act. It has six schedules which give varying degrees of protection. Schedule I and part II of Schedule II provide absolute protection. The plants in Schedule VI are prohibited from cultivation and planting
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Provides for the protection and improvement of environment and prevention of hazards to human beings, other living creatures, plants and property as per decisions taken at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held at Stockholm in June, 1972. It was implemented in the wake of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: Last amended in 1987, the Act attempts to contain air pollution levels in the country. The Central Board for the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution implement the provisions of the Act
Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: Was enacted to prevent the pollution of water by industrial, agricultural and household wastewater that can contaminate our water sources. The main objectives of the Act are to prevent water pollution, and maintain or restore of wholesomeness of water in the country. The Act was last amended in 2003
