NGT Takes Cognizance Of Alleged Illegal Tree Felling And Unauthorized Construction Near Taj Mahal

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, has taken cognizance of serious allegations of illegal tree felling, unauthorized construction, and encroachment in the ecologically sensitive zone of Agra, particularly in areas surrounding the Taj Mahal and along the Agra–Gwalior Highway.

The matter was heard in Original Application No. 665/2025 (Jagan Prasad Tehriya vs. State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors.). The Applicant alleged that large-scale construction activities are being carried out in violation of environmental norms in and around protected heritage and green zones.

It was specifically alleged that the Agra Development Authority is constructing kiosks, paved pathways, and brick-cement structures inside the 100–200-year-old Shahjahan Park, located between the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. According to the Applicant, construction pits have been dug dangerously 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 relied upon theSupreme Court's order dated 01.05.2025 in M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India, which mandates that any tree felling within a 5 km aerial distance from the Taj Mahal requires prior permission of the Supreme Court, irrespective of the number of trees involved.

Further allegations include:

Illegal construction of a concrete “selfie point” by the Agra Municipal Corporation on the green belt along Gwalior Road

Encroachment and tree cutting by private individuals on mandatory green belts along the highway

Alleged indiscriminate tree cutting by L&T during metro construction, without requisite permissions

The Tribunal, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member), observed that the application raises a substantial issue relating to compliance with environmental norms, and accordingly issued notice to the Respondents.

The Tribunal also allowed the Applicant's request to implead the Agra Development Authority as Respondent No. 11. The Respondents have been directed to file their reply affidavits within four weeks.

The matter is listed for further hearing on 12 March 2026.

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