NGT notice to UP Govt for constructions near Taj Mahal

The principal bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently took cognisance of allegations regarding illegal tree felling, unauthorised constructions and encroachment in ecologically sensitive areas of Agra, particularly around the Taj Mahal and along the Agra–Gwalior Highway.

The two-member bench comprising chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh Government, Agra Development Authority and other authorities and directed them to file their responses within four weeks.

This was after a plea filed by one Jagan Prasad Tehriya said that illegal tree felling, construction, and encroachment have been taking place in ecologically sensitive zones.

Ecologically sensitive zones are areas designated by law for protection due to their environmental, cultural, or heritage significance, and development activities in these zones are subject to strict regulation. The tribunal’s order recorded the concerns raised by Tehriya about Agra Development Authority constructing kiosks, paved paths, and brick-cement structures in the 100–200-year-old Shahjahan Park situated between the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort.

“The applicant alleges that the Agra Development Authority is constructing kiosks, paved paths, and brick-cement structures in the 100–200-year-old Shahjahan Park situated between the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.  The Learned Counsel for the applicant submits that in the course of construction, pits have been dug up near the roots of century-old trees and the green cover have been destroyed and the habitat of birds and butterflies is affected,” the order dated December 23 noted.

The tribunal also noted Tehriya’s complaint on other areas along the Agra-Gwalior Highway where environmental regulations were allegedly violated.

“Further allegation of the applicant is that the Agra Municipal Corporation is illegally raising a concrete structure for a ‘selfie point’ on the green belt ahead of Madhu Nagar on Gwalior Road.

The applicant has also alleged that numerous private individuals have cut trees and erected buildings on the mandatory green belt on both sides of the Highway... L&T has also indiscriminately cut the trees without obtaining necessary permissions in the metro construction work,” said the Order.

The petitioner Tehriya also submitted photographs showing the destruction of trees and green cover in the area.

In the application, the Supreme Court order in MC Mehta vs Union of India (2025) was cited, which states that permission to fell trees can only be granted by the Supreme Court in areas within five kilometres of the Taj Mahal, regardless of the number of trees involved. The matter will be heard again on March 12.