(a) whether air pollution levels around the Taj Mahal are rising despite the Government
having spent huge amount to reduce pollution;
(b) if so, the details and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur has
submitted any report in this regard;
(d) if so, the details of the report; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) & (b) The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has been monitoring ambient air quality
at Taj Mahal in terms of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Particulate Matter of size less
than 10 microns (PM10), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). The analysis of the
data of CPCB for the last eight years from 2002 to 2009 indicates that the annual concentration
of SPM, PM10, SO2 and NO2 is not showing any increasing trend. However, the levels of SPM and
PM10 are exceeding the permissible limits. The details are provided in the Annexure. The high
particulate levels are mainly due to the background arid and dusty conditions prevailing in
the region.
(c) to (e) The final report on the post evaluation of the eight selected projects under Taj
Trapezium Zone (TTZ) undertaken by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur has been accepted by the Ministry. As per the report, the road and electricity
related projects have been found to make a substantial impact on the environmental quality in
Agra whereas the solid waste and storm water drainage related projects have had a limited
impact. The State Government of U.P. has been requested to formulate and submit fresh
proposals based on the Environment Management Plan (EMP) given in the report.