National Green Tribunal slams Centre, UP government over Agra pollution
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has pulled up the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) authority for failing to implement proper measures to mitigate the issue of pollution in Agra.The NGT noted that despite plans being in place, the implementation of pollution mitigation measures has not been done by the authorities. It has asked the Chairman of TTZ and the Environment Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh government to file a detailed affidavit on the measures undertaken to implement various plans.advertisementThe tribunal observed that although the timeline for implementing these measures has expired long back, the action plan has not been implemented till now.
"Thus, we are of the view that the clear and full details in respect of action which has been taken to implement the action plan for Agra have not been placed on record," said the NGT.The tribunal observed that many of the air pollution control measures, ranging from the launch of electric buses, peripheral highways and the planting of trees, remain on paper in Agra Taj Zone.It has asked the UP government to submit the updated timelines for the implementation of these projects in the TTZ.The central government constituted the Taj Trapezium Zone Pollution (Prevention and Control) authority in 1998 in exercise of its powers conferred under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to protect the Taj Mahal and other World Heritage Sites like the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri from pollution.advertisementTTZ is a defined area of 10,400 sq km around Taj Mahal. TTZ covers Agra, Firozabad, Mathura, Hathras and Etah districts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan's Bharatpur District.The TTZ is divided into four zones based on industry type, namely the Red, Green, Orange and White Zones, with the red zone being the most restricted.Must Watch
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