News: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued a notice to the Centre and Uttar Pradesh government over environmental norm violations in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ).

Background

• Rampant construction and illegal felling of trees have degraded green cover in the TTZ.
• Loss of habitat has affected birds and butterflies, indicating ecological stress.
• Air and water pollution– caused the Taj Mahal’s marble to yellow and darken due to “stone cancer” (deposition of airborne particulates and chemical corrosion).

Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ)

• A 10,400 sq. km eco-sensitive zone around the Taj Mahal.
• Includes Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.
• Established under the C. Mehta case (1996).
• Aims to control industrial emissions, construction activity, and pollution to protect the monument.

Regulatory Mechanism

• Taj Trapezium Zone Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority-Created under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
• Supreme Court (M.C. Mehta, 2015): Banned tree felling within 5 km aerial distance of the Taj without prior SC permission.

About National Green Tribunal (NGT)

• Statutory body established under the NGT Act, 2010.
• Speedy disposal of environmental cases and enforcement of environmental rights.

Covers Laws:

• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
• Water Act, 1974
• Air Act, 1981

Does NOT cover:

• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• Indian Forest Act, 1927
• Forest Rights Act, 2006