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NGT Takes Action: Illegal Tree Felling Near Taj Mahal Sparks Environmental Notice

The National Green Tribunal has issued a notice to Uttar Pradesh authorities concerning serious allegations of illegal tree felling and unauthorized construction in ecologically sensitive areas around the Taj Mahal. The plea specifically accuses the Agra Development Authority of destructive construction inside historic Shahjahan Park and the municipal corporation of building on a green belt. The applicant cited a Supreme Court order requiring its prior permission for any tree cutting within a five-kilometer radius of the monument. The Tribunal has impleaded the Agra Development Authority and set the next hearing for March 2026.

Key Points: NGT Notice for Illegal Construction, Tree Felling Near Taj Mahal

  • NGT notice on Taj Mahal zone violations
  • Illegal construction in Shahjahan Park alleged
  • Tree felling near Agra-Gwalior Highway cited
  • Supreme Court's 2025 order on prior permission invoked
2 min read

Agra: National Green Tribunal issues notice on alleged illegal tree felling and construction near Taj Mahal

NGT issues notice over alleged illegal tree cutting and construction in Agra's eco-sensitive zones near the Taj Mahal, citing Supreme Court orders.

"substantial issues relating to compliance of environmental norms - National Green Tribunal Bench"

New Delhi, January 5

Directing the State of Uttar Pradesh and other authorities to respond to serious allegations of environmental violations, the National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, on December 23, 2025, issued notice in a plea alleging illegal felling of trees, encroachments, and unauthorised constructions in ecologically sensitive areas of Agra, particularly around the Taj Mahal and along the Agra-Gwalior Highway.

A Bench comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr. A. Senthil Vel observed that the original application raises "substantial issues relating to compliance of environmental norms."

The Tribunal directed the concerned respondents to file their replies within four weeks and listed the matter for further hearing on March 12, 2026.

The plea, filed by Jagan Prasad Tehriya, alleges that the Agra Development Authority has undertaken construction of kiosks, paved pathways and brick-cement structures inside the 100-200-year-old Shahjahan Park, located between the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort.

It is claimed that construction activity involved digging of pits close to the roots of century-old trees, resulting in destruction of green cover and disturbance to the habitat of birds and butterflies.

The applicant also alleged that the Agra Municipal Corporation is raising a concrete "selfie point" structure on a designated green belt ahead of Madhu Nagar on Gwalior Road.

Further accusations include indiscriminate tree cutting and illegal constructions by private individuals along the mandatory green belt on both sides of the highway from the 509 Army Base Workshop to Saiya, as well as alleged tree felling without requisite permissions during metro construction works.

During the hearing, the applicant relied on a Supreme Court order dated May 1, 2025, passed in M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, contending that within a five-kilometre aerial radius of the Taj Mahal, prior permission of the Supreme Court is mandatory for tree felling, irrespective of the number of trees involved. Photographs were also placed on record to support claims of damage to trees and green cover.

The Tribunal allowed the applicant's oral request to implead the Agra Development Authority as a party to the proceedings and directed amendment of the memo of parties.

Notices have been accepted on behalf of several respondents, while directions were issued for service upon the remaining respondents, including the newly added authority.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
A "selfie point" on a green belt? Seriously? We are losing our heritage and our environment for such gimmicks. Development should not come at the cost of century-old trees and the ecological balance of such a sensitive area. Well done to the applicant for raising this.
V
Vikram M
As someone from Agra, I've seen the green cover shrinking over the years. The metro is necessary, but cutting trees without permission is not the way. The Supreme Court's 5-km radius rule exists for a reason. Hope the NGT ensures strict compliance this time.
S
Sarah B
Visiting the Taj was a dream. It's heartbreaking to think the very authorities meant to protect it are allegedly damaging the surrounding environment. The photos must be damning. International visitors care about this preservation too. Hope justice is served.
R
Rohit P
While the violations are serious, I hope this doesn't become another case of endless litigation and delays. The hearing is in March 2026? By then more damage could be done. The NGT should consider some immediate interim protection for the area.
K
Karthik V
The Agra Development Authority being made a party is crucial. Accountability must be fixed. We cannot have a "chalta hai" attitude towards our iconic monuments and their ecosystems. Every tree cut near the Taj is a loss for future generations.
N

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