NGT notice to MoEF, TTZ on pollution near Taj Mahal

The tribunal said TTZ Authority, set up to monitor progress of implementation of various schemes to protect Taj Mahal, has failed

The National Green Tribunal on Friday sought the Centre's reply on a plea alleging inaction on part of the Taj Trapezium Zone Authority (TTZ) that has led to deterioration of air quality "adversely" affecting the iconic Taj Mahal.

A bench comprising Justice M S Nambiar and Expert Member Ranjan Chatterjee issued notices to Environment Ministry, Uttar Pradesh government, Taj Trapezium Zone Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, Central Pollution Control Board, Archaeological Survey of India while seeking their reply by August 8.

The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by Agra resident Shri Raman, who has contended that pollution levels around the 17th century monument have assumed an alarming level due to a "dysfunctional and inefficient" Taj Trapezium Zone Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority.

It said that TTZ Authority, which was set up to monitor progress of implementation of various schemes to protect the 17th century 'monument of love', has completely failed in exercising the powers granted to it for "closure, prohibition or regulation" of industrial units in the area.

The plea filed through advocates Sanjay Upadhyay and Advocate Divya Sharma has alleged that TTZ Authority is functioning without any infrastructural and administrative setup and lacks fund resulting in inability of the Authority to implement its own decisions "thereby causing adverse environmental impact on the Taj Mahal."

"The inaction of the TTZ Authority has resulted in blatant violation of environmental laws, particularly the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 along with its Rules and especially the inaction of a statutory authority is causing irreversible damage to the most coveted heritage of India, the Taj Mahal and the eco sensitive Taj Trapezium Zone," it said.

Raman has sought stay on the operation of industrial units which are operating within the TTZ in violation to the orders of the Supreme Court and the decisions of the TTZ Authority.

"Regulate entry of heavy vehicles in Agra and put in place a revised traffic management plan including fixing the age of vehicles, prohibition of registration of new diesel tempos and phasing out of diesel run vehicles in the eco-sensitive area," it said.