The National Green Tribunal (NGT) notice to centre and UP government highlighted concerns over non-compliance with environmental norms in the protected Taj Trapezium Zone.
- Rampant construction and felling of trees have resulted in the destruction of green cover and disturbance to the habitat of birds and butterflies in the region.
- Over the years, air and water pollution caused the Taj Mahal’s white marble to turn yellow and darken due to airborne particulates, a phenomenon known as “stone cancer.”
About Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ)
- TTZ is a protected Eco-sensitive zone of 10,400 sq. km around the Taj Mahal. It was established under MC Mehta Case, 1996 that also includes Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
- Taj Trapezium Zone Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority was also created under the judement of 1996 (under the Environment Protection Act, 1986) to regulate industries, construction, and emissions around the Taj Mahal.
- Further, under MC Mehta Case (2015), SC banned felling of trees within a 5 km aerial distance from the Taj Mahal without its prior permission of the Supreme Court.
About NGT
Key Judgements of NGT
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