On May 2, 2025, the Supreme Court of India reaffirmed its 2015 directive, mandating that no tree felling within a 5-kilometer radius of the Taj Mahal in Agra can occur without its explicit approval. This measure aims to safeguard the monument’s environment from degradation. The court dismissed pleas for exemptions, including those related to private lands and agroforestry activities.

The Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), encompassing approximately 10,400 square kilometers across parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, remains under stringent environmental regulations. Tree felling beyond the 5 km radius within the TTZ requires prior permission from the Central Empowered Committee and adherence to the Uttar Pradesh Tree Preservation Act.

In response to concerns over unauthorized tree cutting, the Supreme Court has directed the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun to conduct a comprehensive tree census within the TTZ. This initiative aims to establish an accurate inventory of existing trees, facilitating better enforcement of preservation laws.

Furthermore, the court has imposed substantial fines for illegal tree felling in the TTZ. Penalties can reach up to ₹25,000 per tree, depending on the tree’s classification and the nature of the violation. These measures underscore the court’s commitment to protecting the ecological integrity of the area surrounding the Taj Mahal.

This ruling is part of ongoing efforts to preserve the Taj Mahal and its environment, ensuring that any activities within the vicinity do not compromise the monument’s structural and aesthetic integrity.

Sources