(a) whether the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has recommended the closure of all Industrial units on the eastern side of the Yamuna in Agra;
(b) if so, whether the Industrial units on the eastern side of Yamuna are posing danger to the Taj;
(c) if so, whether any specific time frame has been fixed to shift all the industrial units around Taj;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the other steps taken by the Government to save the Taj from pollution?
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI T.R. BAALU)
(a)(b)(c)&(d) The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) submitted a report to Supreme Court in September, 2000 recommending theAgra Municipal Area to be declared as industry free area, excluding only those industries not employing any energy driven machines. The industries located on the eastern side of the Yamuna in Agra are mainly located in Foundry Nagar and Nunhai. These industrial areas are located in up-wind direction of the Taj and may pose air pollution problems to Taj.
According to the directions of the Supreme Court, the industries are required to switch over to natural gas. The matter is sub-judice and various issues including time frame for shifting of industrial units are under consideration of the Supreme Court.
(e) The following steps have been taken by the Government to save the Taj from pollution: -
(i) A green belt has been developed in five hundred-meter radius of the Taj.
(ii) No petrol/diesel driven vehicles are allowed to ply within 500 meters radius of the Taj. Only battery operated vehicles are allowed in this area.
(iii) Industries like brick kilns, foundries etc. that generate air pollution around the Taj using fossile fuels have already been closed.
(iv) Taj Trapezium Zone [TTZ] covering an area over 10,400 Sq. kms. has been notified, where only non-polluting industries are allowed and other restrictions have been imposed.
(v) An Authority namely TTZ Pollution [Prevention and Control] Authority has been constituted to monitor the progress of the various projects undertaken under Taj Protection Mission Scheme.
(vi) A number of Air Quality Monitoring Stations have been set up around the Taj to monitor the ambient air quality around the Taj.
(vii) Mathura Refinery has taken necessary measures to reduce the emissions of pollutants.