Recently the Supreme court of India lifted its earlier interim order imposing a complete ban on construction, industrial activities and felling of trees in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ). Supreme Court was hearing a plea filed by environmentalist MC Mehta pertaining to the protection of Taj Mahal, the fragile ecosystem surrounding it and construction in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ)
Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ)
It is a defined area of 10,400 sq km around the Taj Mahal to protect the monument from pollution.
The Supreme Court of India delivered a ruling on December 30, 1996, regarding industries covered under the TTZ, in response to a PIL seeking to protect the Taj Mahal from environmental pollution.
It banned the use of coal/ coke in industries located in the TTZ with a mandate for switching over from coal/ coke to natural gas, and relocating them outside the TTZ or shutting down.
The TTZ comprises monuments including three World Heritage Sites the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
TTZ is so named since it is located around the Taj Mahal and is shaped like a trapezoid.
It has four-zone which named ad Red, Green, Orange and White
Powers of TTZ
Monitor the progress of implementation of various schemes for protection of the Taj Mahal and programmes for protection and improvement of the environment in Taj Trapezium Zone
Exercise powers under section 5 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986
Take all necessary steps to ensure compliance of specified emission standards by motor vehicles and ensuring compliance of fuel quality standards.
Deal with any environmental issue which may be referred to it by the Central Government or the State Governments of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan relating to the Taj Trapezium Zone.
