Delhi: UP govt given notices by the NGT over destruction of Yamuna ravines near Taj Mahal

Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh government has been issued notices by the National Green Tribunal of destroying the ravines near the Taj Mahal. Along with the UP-government notices have also been issued to seven other concerned authorities. The tribunal has sought their response over the restructuring of the eco-sensitive Yamuna ravines around 800m away from the Taj Mahal, months after the matter was highlighted in the media.

The green court has directed the divisional commissioner, who is also the chairman of Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), and DM Agra, to appear for the next hearing on January 10, 2023.

Earlier in May, the tribunal had constituted a joint committee to investigate the matter and take remedial action in accordance with the law. The fresh orders by the NGT were issued after the committee submitted its report, Times of India reported.

NGT has also sought response from the Union ministry of Jal Shakti, regional office of the environment ministry, the chairman of TTZ authority, the state director for mining and geology, municipal commissioner, the state pollution control board and DM Agra.

While issuing the notices the NGT had taken into consideration the complaint filed by an Agra based doctor and environmentalist, Dr Sharad Gupta. Dr Gupta in his complaint had described how earthmovers were being used to dig up the soil and the ground was being levelled behind the Taj Nature Walk Park. He also said that Work carried out by the forest department was in violation of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. The destruction of forest ravines, which are the natural habitat of over 1,000 species of animals and plants, will lead to the destruction of the ecological chain and also harm the Taj Mahal.

Locals even claimed that there was large scale "illegal soil mining" taking place in the area.

Environmentalists also claimed that the authorities were working to help destroy the ravines to help their land sharks and builders. No permission had allegedly been taken from the district administration and the TTZ authority to carry out the work in the eco-sensitive zone. TTZ is a defined area of 10,400 sq km around the Taj to protect the monument from pollution.