A Bench headed by National Green Tribunal (NGT) chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar on Wednesday directed the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure that there are no illegal constructions around the Taj Mahal. Stating that the ecology of the area cannot be compromised, it said “illegal restaurant constructed by a private party near Taj Mahal must be demolished”.
Takes note of tree felling
The Tribunal also noted that a plantation drive be carried out in the eco-sensitive zone. It had earlier taken cognisance of the case based on media reports, as per which it was alleged that 8,000 trees in Babarpur and around 4,000 trees within a 500-metre-radius of the Taj Mahal were cut.
The NGT had then directed the Divisional Commissioner (Agra) to provide information on the trees planted in the Taj Trapezium Zone. On Wednesday, it asked the officer to provide necessary data within three weeks to advocate M. C. Mehta, who has been appointed as local commissioner to probe the alleged felling and sale of trees.