Corruption And Green Crime: The Role Of Local Authorities In Enabling Environmental Offences In India

Environmental degradation in India poses a grave threat to its ecological balance, public health, and sustainable development. While national policies and central agencies are crucial, the enforcement and implementation of environmental regulations often fall to local authorities. This research paper explores the intricate relationship between corruption and "green crime" in India, specifically focusing on how local authorities, through various acts of commission and omission, enable environmental offenses. It analyzes the systemic vulnerabilities at the local level that are exploited for personal gain, leading to widespread environmental damage, including illegal mining, deforestation, uncontrolled pollution, and improper waste management. Drawing upon existing literature, reports, and case studies, this paper identifies key mechanisms of corruption—such as bribery, cronyism, political interference, and bureaucratic inertia—that undermine environmental governance. Furthermore, it examines the challenges faced by local authorities in combating green crime, including lack of capacity, inadequate resources, and limited accountability. Finally, the paper proposes a multi-faceted approach to address this pervasive issue, emphasizing enhanced transparency, strengthened institutional frameworks, improved public participation, and robust accountability mechanisms to foster a more effective and ethical environmental governance system in India.