NGT action on Taj protection
NGT Notice on Environmental Violations Near Taj Mahal: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued a notice to the Union government and the Uttar Pradesh government over serious environmental violations around the Taj Mahal.
The tribunal flagged non-compliance with environmental norms within the protected Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ).
The notice reflects growing judicial concern over the degradation of the ecological buffer created to safeguard the monument.
The Taj Mahal remains vulnerable due to unchecked human activity despite long-standing legal protections.
Construction and ecological damage
Rampant construction activity has been reported across sensitive zones near the Taj Mahal.
Illegal structures and infrastructure expansion have disrupted the natural landscape.
Large-scale tree felling has led to the loss of green cover in the region.
This has disturbed the habitat of birds, butterflies, and local biodiversity, weakening the ecological balance.
Static GK fact: The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural and architectural significance.
Pollution and stone cancer threat
Over the years, air and water pollution have caused visible damage to the Taj Mahal’s white marble.
The surface has turned yellow and dark in many places due to industrial emissions and vehicular pollutants.
This deterioration is known as “stone cancer”, caused by airborne particulates reacting with marble.
Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides form acidic deposits that corrode the stone surface.
Static GK Tip: Marble is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, which reacts easily with acidic pollutants.
Taj Trapezium Zone background
The Taj Trapezium Zone is an eco-sensitive area of about 10,400 square kilometres surrounding the Taj Mahal.
It also includes heritage sites like Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
The TTZ was established under the MC Mehta case of 1996 to regulate pollution and development.
The judgement restricted polluting industries and mandated cleaner fuels in the region.
Legal safeguards and restrictions
The Taj Trapezium Zone Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority was created under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Its mandate includes regulating industries, construction activities, and emissions.
In the MC Mehta case of 2015, the Supreme Court banned tree felling within a 5 km aerial distance from the Taj Mahal.
Any exception requires prior permission from the Supreme Court.
Static GK fact: The Environment Protection Act, 1986 was enacted after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy to strengthen environmental governance.
Role and powers of NGT
The National Green Tribunal is a statutory body established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
It ensures speedy disposal of cases related to environmental protection and conservation.
The NGT enforces laws like the Water Act 1974, Air Act 1981, and Environment Protection Act 1986.
However, it does not deal with cases under forest rights and wildlife protection laws.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
NGT Notice on Environmental Violations Near Taj Mahal:
| Topic | Detail |
| Issuing authority | National Green Tribunal |
| Region concerned | Taj Trapezium Zone |
| Area covered by TTZ | 10,400 sq. km |
| Key issue | Environmental norm violations |
| Major impact | Marble discoloration and biodiversity loss |
| Pollution effect | Stone cancer on Taj Mahal |
| Legal basis | MC Mehta case, Environment Protection Act |
| Tree felling rule | SC permission mandatory within 5 km |
