SC: UP government files plan for Taj protection
In an affidavit the UP govt conceded that there was no other policy regarding the protection of Taj Mahal from environmental pollution.
New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday filed the Comprehensive Environmental Management and Action Plan for protection of the Taj Trapezium Zone Area including the historical monument Taj Mahal. In an affidavit the UP government conceded that there was no other policy regarding the protection of Taj Mahal from environmental pollution.
On November 15, a Bench of Justices Madan B. Lokur and Deepak Gupta refused to accept the affidavit of the State government that it was committed to protect Taj Mahal and asked the State to file a comprehensive policy.
The new affidavit said that TTZ Authority which has representation from all stakeholders in the entire TTZ area of 10,400 sq.kms. monitors the progress of implementation of various schemes for protection of Taj Mahal and programs for protection and improvement of environment in Taj Trapezium Zone and exercises its powers under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 .
It is pertinent to mention here that all developmental, infrastructural works can be undertaken only after NOC from TTZ Authority, in addition to other authorities, as applicable. The TTZ Authority in co-ordination with the Agra Development Authority has obtained a Comprehensive Enviro-nmental Management Plan (CEMP) for TTZ Area.