NGT Takes Cognizance Of Alleged Illegal Tree Felling And Unauthorized Construction Near Taj Mahal
Pranav B Prem
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, has taken cognizance of serious allegations relating to illegal tree felling, unauthorized construction and encroachment in ecologically sensitive areas of Agra, particularly in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal and along the Agra–Gwalior Highway. The Tribunal observed that the matter raises substantial issues concerning compliance with environmental norms and protection of heritage and green zones. The proceedings arose in Original Application No. 665/2025 (Jagan Prasad Tehriya v. State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors.), which was heard by a Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member).
The applicant alleged that large-scale construction activities were being undertaken in and around protected heritage areas in clear violation of environmental regulations. It was specifically contended that the Agra Development Authority had carried out construction of kiosks, paved pathways and brick-and-cement structures inside Shahjahan Park, a green area with trees estimated to be 100 to 200 years old, situated between the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
According to the applicant, construction pits were dug dangerously close to the roots of century-old trees, resulting in damage to the green cover and serious disturbance to the local ecosystem, including the habitat of birds and butterflies. It was alleged that such activities amounted to destruction of an ecologically sensitive zone falling within the protected area around the Taj Mahal.
The applicant also placed reliance on the Supreme Court’s order dated May 1, 2025, in M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, which mandates that any tree felling within a five-kilometre aerial distance from the Taj Mahal requires prior permission of the Supreme Court, irrespective of the number of trees involved. It was submitted that the construction activities complained of were being carried out in violation of this binding direction.
Additional allegations were also raised before the Tribunal. These included construction of a concrete “selfie point” by the Agra Municipal Corporation on the green belt along the Gwalior Road, encroachment and tree cutting by private individuals on mandatory green belts along the highway, and alleged indiscriminate felling of trees by Larsen & Toubro during metro construction works without obtaining requisite permissions.
After considering the averments and materials placed on record, the Tribunal observed that the application disclosed a substantial issue relating to compliance with environmental norms. Accordingly, it issued notice to all the respondents and directed them to file their reply affidavits within four weeks. The Tribunal also allowed the applicant’s request to implead the Agra Development Authority as Respondent No. 11, noting its alleged role in the construction activities complained of.With these directions, the matter has been listed for further consideration on March 12, 2026, when the Tribunal will examine the responses of the authorities and decide the future course of action.
Cause Title: Jagan Prasad Tehriya V. State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors.
Case No: Original Application No. 665/2025
Coram: Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson), Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member)
