Above: Picture courtesy UNI

The Taj Mahal in Agra, the most visited and admired mausoleum in the world, has been at the receiving end of several anti-environmental acts that have been dangerous for its existence. The National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) principal bench, headed by Justice Swatanter Kumar, has taken up a case in which the petitioner, Taj Mahal Welfare Association has claimed that trees have been cut in the vicinity of the 17th century mausoleum.

This area has been marked as an eco-sensitive zone where felling of trees is not allowed. Now it has been found that illegal construction has been coming up in the area, further endangering the mausoleum.

On the last date the counsel for the applicants had submitted that they do not wish to file any rejoinder. On Wednesday (August 2) the counsel for the applicants also submitted photographs of illegal construction near the Taj Corridor. The bench had earlier ordered its demolition, but it is seen that nothing has been done about it.

The bench again ordered its demolition and directed the Chief Conservator of Forests to submit a report regarding trees planted on that area.

The matter was disposed off.

—India Legal Bureau