Assam has reported a significant decline in environment-related offences, even as such crimes increased across the country, according to the latest official data.
The state recorded a 28.6 per cent drop in environment-related offences in 2023, with the number of cases falling to 55 from 77 in the previous year. The figures indicate a contrasting trend compared to the national scenario, where environment-related crimes rose sharply during the same period.
Data show that in Assam, 26 cases were registered under the Forest Act and the Forest Conservation Act, 18 under the Wildlife Protection Act, and 11 under provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), which also covers certain environmental violations. Officials said the decline reflects improved enforcement and increased vigilance by forest and law-enforcement agencies.
At the national level, environment-related offences increased by over 30 per cent, rising to nearly 69,000 cases in 2023 from about 52,900 cases in 2022. Several states reported sharp increases, contributing to the overall national rise.
Officials in Assam attributed the reduction to coordinated action by the forest department, police and local authorities, along with greater public awareness and community participation in conservation efforts. Regular patrols, use of technology for monitoring, and stricter action against violators were cited as key factors.
However, experts cautioned that sustained efforts are necessary to maintain the downward trend, noting ongoing challenges such as forest degradation, wildlife trafficking and pollution. They stressed that continued monitoring and enforcement would be crucial to protecting Assam’s rich biodiversity in the long term.
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