In a recent development that has made national headlines, the Supreme Court of India has granted the Northern Railways permission to remove over 400 trees from the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) as part of the process to construct an additional rail track between Delhi and Agra. This ruling is contingent upon the implementation of mandatory compensatory afforestation measures.
The Supreme Court Ruling and Its Background
This judgment was passed in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) aimed at safeguarding the Taj Mahal, an iconic monument renowned globally, from environmental degradation. In December 1996, the Supreme Court issued a historic decree prohibiting the use of coal and coke in industries located within the TTZ.
Industries were directed either to transition from using coal or coke to natural gas or to relocate outside the TTZ or face closure. In 1998, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Central Government established the Taj Trapezium Zone Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority tasked with overseeing this transition and preventing further pollution in the TTZ.
Understanding the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ)
The Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) is a designated area covering 10,400 sq km surrounding the Taj Mahal with the ultimate aim to shield this historical edifice from adverse environmental effects. The term ‘trapezium’ is derived from the geographical shape of the zone which is similar to a trapezoid. This zone houses several monuments including three World Heritage Sites, namely the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.
Geographical Extent of the TTZ
The spatial bounds of the Taj Trapezium Zone extend across two divisions. The major portion lies in the Agra Division in the state of Uttar Pradesh and a smaller portion extends into the Bharatpur Division in the state of Rajasthan.
Key Facts about the Taj Trapezium Zone
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 10,400 sq km |
| Shape | Trapezium |
| Location | Agra Division, Uttar Pradesh and Bharatpur Division, Rajasthan |
| Significant Monuments | Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri |
| Establishment of TTZ Authority | 1998, under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 |
Recent Developments in the TTZ
The recent Supreme Court ruling allowing Northern Railways to fell over 400 trees in the TTZ for laying an additional rail track has created a buzz. The court, however, has specified that this clearance is conditional on the railway authorities ensuring compensatory afforestation, thereby emphasizing on the ecological balance and conservation of the environment within the TTZ.