In accordance with the report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) for the year ended March 31, 2018, 40.59% of the crimes related to the environment in the country were committed in Rajasthan (RJ) during 2014-16. The major crimes were violation of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and Wildlife Protect Act, 1972 which resulted in using of forest land for non-forest purposes without approval of government and capturing, poisoning, snaring or trapping of wild animals respectively.
- A total of 15,723 crimes related to the environment were registered in the country during 2014-16 and the number of cases in RJ during this period was 6,382, which is 40.59%.
Reason behind maximum environment crimes in RJ:
The key reason behind this is the non-constitution of state-level inter agency coordination committee and wildlife crime control units in the state despite directions of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB). These are responsible for preventing wildlife crimes.
Key Points:
-There was no regulation on the tourist activities in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (RTR) and Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) due to the absence of local advisory committee (LAC) which caused disturbance to wild animals. RTR is located in SawaiMadhopur district, while Sariska is in Alwar district.
-The directions of the National Tiger Conservatory Authority (NTCA) was not followed by keeping five of the 10 zones of core areas of Ranthambhore open in the monsoon season.
-Also, the site selected for construction of the Abheda Biological Park in Kota is not compatible due to adjoining garbage dumping yard, industrial areas, firing range of the Army, and existence of slums nearby.
-During 2013-14 to 2017-18, 36,975 new cases of encroachment involving 358.25 sq. km forest land were registered.
-A total of 15,883 cases of illegal mining in forest areas were registered during 2013-18.
About CAG:
Establishment– 1858
Comptroller and Auditor General of India– Rajiv Mehrishi
Headquarters– New Delhi
