NGT directs UP govt. to demolish illegal restaurant near Taj Mahal

National Green Tribunal on Wednesday directed the Uttar Pradesh government to demolish the illegal restaurant in the Taj Trapezium Zone near the eastern gate of the mausoleum.

The NGT said that the state government should promote plantation drive around the Taj Mahal to improve the ecology of the nearby areas.In February, the NGT had sought a response from the Centre and the UP government over an allegation of tree felling in the eco-sensitive zone near the Taj Mahal. The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by Taj Mahal Welfare Association through its secretary Mukesh Kumar seeking action against those responsible for chopping trees near the marble monument despite a ban by the Supreme Court.

The petitioner association had written a one-page letter to the NGT alleging that an illegal construction activity of a hotel and resort in Agra was being undertaken in the Taj Trapezium Zone near the eastern gate of Taj Mahal. It said that one person had allegedly cut 20-25 trees on an area of 12,000 sq feet for building a hotel and when the matter was brought to the notice of the Agra Development Authority, it turned a deaf year to the whole issue. In a separate case, the NGT had earlier directed the UP government to ensure that no unauthorised construction activities are permitted and no trees cut in the eco-sensitive zone near the monument.