Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ)

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the issuance of notices to the Union Ministry of Environment, Uttar Pradesh government, and other parties over non-compliance with environmental norms in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ).

Key Allegations

• Illegal Tree Felling: The application claims that trees are being felled illegally within a 5 km aerial distance from the Taj Mahal, in violation of Supreme Court guidelines, which mandate prior permission for any tree felling in this zone.
• Illegal Construction and Encroachment: The Agra Development Authority is alleged to be constructing kiosks, paved paths, and brick-cement structures in Shahjahan Park, situated between the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
• Damage to Green Cover: The application mentions the destruction of green cover, with pits being dug near the roots of century-old trees, affecting the habitat of birds and butterflies.

About the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ)?

• The Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) is a 10,400 sq. km eco-sensitive area created to safeguard the Taj Mahal from environmental pollution and ecological degradation.
• Coverage: The TTZ encompasses several important heritage sites, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 
  • The Taj Mahal, 
  • Agra Fort, and 
  • Fatehpur Sikri.
• Supreme Court’s Role: The TTZ regime was established under the Supreme Court’s directions in the M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1996) case, which mandated strict pollution control measures, including regulating industries, emissions, and the use of cleaner fuel/technology.
  • Legal Basis of TTZ: The Taj Trapezium Zone Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority was established to enforce pollution control measures around the Taj Mahal and other heritage sites in the region.
• Tree Felling Restrictions: In the 2015 M.C. Mehta case, the Supreme Court imposed restrictions on tree felling within a 5 km aerial distance from the Taj Mahal, requiring prior permission from the Court before any felling can occur.

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About National Green Tribunal (NGT)

• Establishment: The NGT is a statutory body established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, tasked with the speedy and effective disposal of environmental protection and conservation cases.
• Environmental Laws: The NGT can hear matters relating to environmental laws listed in Schedule I under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
  • It includes the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, among others.
• Exceptions to Jurisdiction: NGT does not oversee cases under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; the Indian Forest Act, 1927; and the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.