The Supreme Court of India on March 5, 2025, directed the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) authority to appoint the Forest Research Institute (FRI) to conduct a tree census in the area. The decision aims to strengthen vigilance against illegal tree felling and protect the environmental integrity of the TTZ.
What is the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ)?
- A 10,400 sq km protected area around the Taj Mahal to safeguard it from pollution.
- Named “Trapezium” due to its geometric shape surrounding the Taj Mahal.
- Covers six districts:
- Agra, Firozabad, Mathura, Hathras, and Etah (Uttar Pradesh)
- Bharatpur (Rajasthan)
Historic Supreme Court Ruling (1996)
- Responding to a PIL, the SC banned coal/coke usage in TTZ industries to protect the Taj Mahal from pollution.
- Industries were mandated to switch to natural gas, relocate outside TTZ, or shut down.
Key Monuments in TTZ
- Taj Mahal (World Heritage Site)
- Agra Fort (World Heritage Site)
- Fatehpur Sikri (World Heritage Site)
Importance of Tree Census
- Helps monitor deforestation and prevent illegal tree felling.
- Strengthens environmental protection measures in TTZ.
- Supports sustainable conservation of heritage sites.
(Sources: The Hindu and TTZ)
