SC asks UP to mull shifting of crematorium near Taj Mahal

The Supreme Court today directed the Uttar Pradesh government to consider shifting of a crematorium located near Taj Mahal to prevent smoke affecting the world heritage site.
A bench comprising Justices T S Thakur and C Nagappan also rued that the quality of work done today around the Taj site with all the facilities, did not match the historic monument built with bare hands, chisels and hammer.
The bench took into account a letter written by apex court judge, Justice Kurien Joseph, who had pointed out that Taj was under threat from pollution due to smoke emanating from the crematorium.

The apex court noted that despite several previous orders to the Agra Nagar Nigam and Agra Development Authority "nothing meaningful" has been done and the public crematorium continues to be at present location resulting in possible damage to the historic monument.
It directed Advocate General Vijay Bahadur Singh, appearing for Uttar Pradesh government, to seek instructions on the issue and file appropriate response.
Justice Kurian Joseph on October 1 had written a letter to Chief Justice of India H L Dattu stating that there was a looming threat to the monument due to smoke and ash arising from the cremation ground.

Justice Joseph's letter stated that he along with his family had visited the Taj in September. During his visit, he noted that the emissions arising from the cremation ground may damage the monument's white marble.

In his letter, Justice Joseph had also proposed that the authorities be directed to relocate the crematorium to some other place in order to protect the site.
During the hearing, the Advocate General informed the bench about the construction of a 500-metre road near the monument, which was being built with red sandstone tiles as coaltar roads were not durable.
To this, the bench said "we are happy over your idea, but the doubt we have is that your solution is not long-lasting as due to some or the other work, the road may have to be dug again. ... You will waste public money. Make a solid comprehensive plan which does not require a change for the next 50 years near the Taj area."

The apex court also expressed displeasure over the quality of road being built near the monument and said there needs to be "finesse" in doing things as people from the world over came to see the Taj.
"You are making road, you are not making Taj Mahal. Years ago, people with bare hands with chisel and hammer made a wonder of the world. Such was the craft at that time. Today, with all the facilities at hand, look at the work the contractors and engineers have done," the bench said.