NGT directs to issue notice to Centre, U.P. govt. on ‘violations’ near Taj Mahal

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed to issue notice to the Union Environment Ministry, Uttar Pradesh government, and others on allegations of illegal felling of trees, illegal construction and encroachment in the ecological sensitive zone of Agra, particularly around the Taj Mahal, along Agra-Gwalior Highway, as per an order. 

The Principal Bench of the NGT, comprising of Chairperson Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A. Senthil Vel, was hearing an application, which also alleged that the Agra Development Authority was constructing kiosks, paved paths, and brick-cement structures in Shahjahan Park situated between the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

According to the applicant, as per the Supreme Court, any tree felling within a 5 km aerial distance from the Taj Mahal requires prior permission of the top court, irrespective of the number of trees involved, the order said. 

The allegations raise a “substantial issue” relating to compliance of environmental norms, as per an NGT order dated December 23. 

“Applicant submits that in the course of construction pits have been dug up near the roots of century old trees and the green cover have been destroyed and the habitat of birds and butterflies is affected. Further allegation of the applicant is that the Agra Municipal Corporation is illegally raising concrete structure for “selfie point” on the green belt ahead of Madhu Nagar on Gwalior Road,” the order said. 

“The applicant has also alleged that numerous private individuals have cut trees and erected buildings on the mandatory green belt on both sides of the Highway from the 509 Army Base Workshop to Saiya and the L&T has also indiscriminately cut the trees without obtaining necessary permissions in the metro construction work,” the order said. 

The matter has been posted for March 12.