Need Not Demolish Parking Lot Near Taj; But Maintain Status Quo: SC

Recalling its order of October 24, the Supreme Court has stayed its order directing demolition of the under-construction multi-level car parking near Taj Mahal

A bench comprising Justices M B Lokur and Deepak Gupta also asked Uttar Pradesh government to submit a comprehensive policy on preservation and pollution in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ).

“Let status quo be maintained. No further construction shall be carried. The parking is being built around one km away from Taj Mahal. We do not know how hotels also can be built there.The problem is this that all measures seem to have been taken are ad-hoc. It cannot be like this”, the bench said.

 “SUBMIT POLICY’

Environmentalist M C Mehta, who has filed a plea seeking protection of the Taj from the ill-effects of polluting gases and deforestation in and around the area, told the bench that TTZ was an ecologically sensitive area and the government should have come out with a comprehensive policy on it. Mehta told the bench that he would file the policy within two weeks,

The court asked Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the UP government, about the policy for protection of the 17th century white marble mausoleum.

TTZ is an area of 10,400 sq km around the historic Taj Mahal aimed at protecting the ancient monument and its environs.

“You tell us what is your policy towards protection of Taj Mahal. What is the policy you have formulated, if you have a policy, can we look into it? Mehta told the bench they had a comprehensive policy on the issue and contended that the government was committed to protect the Taj Mahal. There is a policy. I will bring the comprehensive policy, he said. The bench observed that applications were being filed before it for construction of hotels in the area and felling of trees.

Mehta told the court that initially there was a plan to build an orientation centre at a distance of around one kilometre of the Taj Mahal but later it was decided that a multi-level parking would be built there for tourists.