Latest News
Back
Fully committed to sustainable development around Taj Trapezium Zone: UP Govt to Supreme Court
The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday assured the apex court that it is “fully committed” towards protecting the environmental conditions around the iconic Taj Mahal and the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ). Satisfied with the arguments, a bench of Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta on Tuesday gave its assent to the Department of Tourism, State of Uttar Pradesh, to file by way of affidavit the state policy on the issue of combating pollution in and ensuring preservation of historic monument Taj Mahal and the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ).
In an affidavit filed in the top court, the State Government said the provisions for protection and preservation of Taj Mahal have been included in the master plan of Agra 2021.
“It is respectfully submitted that the state is fully committed to protect environment and ensure sustainable development specifically in and around the Taj Trapezium Zone,” the State said in the affidavit. “State further undertakes to follow environmental law and all orders of this court diligently and faithfully to ensure balance of ecosystem of the Taj Trapezium Zone,” it said.
The Apex Court had earlier stayed its order directing demolition of a multi-level car parking being built near the Taj Mahal and had asked the authorities to maintain status quo at the site. Environmental Activist and Petitioner M C Mehta, who has filed a plea seeking protection of the Taj from the ill-effects of polluting gases and deforestation in and around the area, had prior told the bench that TTZ was an “ecologically sensitive area” and the government should have come out with a comprehensive policy for preservation and protection of Taj.
The matter is listed for hearing on November 21.
