ANNEXURE I

MONUMENT

CONCEPT PAPER ON TAJ PROTECTION MISSION

 COHCCPT PflPCR
c.\J PROTECTION MISSION

By
PrashantTrivedi, IAS
Vice-Chairman, A.D.A. &
Member-Convener
Taj Trapezium Zone Pollution
(Prevention & Control) Authority,
Agra
 CONTENTS

SL. INDEX PAGE NO.

NO. i

1- PREFACE •

2- INTRODUCTION 1-2

i
3- Chapter -I - THE PROBLEMS 2-16 i
!
!
4- Chapter - II - THE INITIATIVE 17-22 !
' t

Chapter - III - THE TAJ PROTECTION MISSION 23-48 Ii

5- I

6- Chapter - IV - THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE 49-56

i

7- ANNEXURES A-l
 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

TTZ Taj Trapezium Zone

NEERI National Environmental Engineering Research Institute
CPCB Central Pollution Control Board
UPPCB Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board
TERI Tata Energy Research Institute
UNESCO United Nation Educational. Social & Cultural Organisation
SPM Suspended Particulate Matter
TSP Total Suspended Particulates
SO2 Sulphur Dioxide
NOX Oxides of Nitrogen
RTO Regional Transport Officer
NATPAC National Transportation Planning & Research Center
DG Sets Diesel Generating Sets
PCL Power Corporation Limited
LPG Liquid Petroleum Gas
STP Sewage Treatment Plant
YAP Yamuna Action Plan
APCD Air Pollution Control Device
CPHEEO Central Public Heath & Environmental Engineering Organisation

DPR Detailed Project Report

EFC Expenditure-Finance Committee
NOG No Objection Certificate
MM8 Mission Management Board
RCC Reinforced Cement Concrete
MUD Ministry of Urban Development

,MH National Highway

PV/D Public Works Department

MOEF Ministry of Environment & Forests
GOUP Government of Uttar Pradesh
GOI Government of India
CWG Central Water Commission
NGO Non Governmental Organisation
KV Kilo Volt
MVA Mega Volt Ampere
MLD Million Litres per Day
CWR Clear Water Reservoir
OHT Over Head Tank
PLA Public Ledger Account
GSB Granular Sub Base
WMM Wet Mixed Macadam
Lpcd Litres Per Capita Per Day
 PREFACE

It had been desired for a very long time, that a Concept Paper on the Taj
Protection Mission be prepared which would document all the relevant aspects of
the efforts being undertaken to protect the Taj Mahal and other monuments in
Agra.

I am happy that Prashant Trivedi, the Vice-Chairman • of the Agra

Development Authority, who is also the Member-Convener of the Taj Trapezium
Zone Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority, has prepared such a document.

The Concept Paper describes the problems of the city of Agra and the
anxiety of the Hon'ble Supreme Court articulated in the various orders passed in
connection with the Writ Petition (Civil) No. 13381/84-M.C.Mehta Vs. Union of
India & Others. The Paper also goes on to describe the various projects of the
Taj Protection Mission. An attempt has also been made -to evaluate the present
achievements and some suggestions have also been made as to the 'direction of
the future efforts.

I am sure that the reader will find the Concept Paper extremely useful.

I would also like to compliment Prashant Trivedi, Vice-Chairman. Agra

Development Authority and his team of officers for their commendable effort in
compiling this document.

Sd/-
V.K. Sharrt.a. (AS
Commissioner.
Agra Division,
Agra
f
INTRODUCTION
—•—•____^__M_«M«_iW^_^__

It is not often that the concept paper for a Mission is written when it is in
progress. Normally, it precedes the action phase and partially forms the basis for
project formulation.

This does not mean that there was no concept behind the Taj Protection
Mission. The sense of urgency that formed the backdrop of the efforts to protect
the Taj Mahal resulted in the projects being implemented without any further delay.

i' Originating as a result of the Writ Petition No. 13381/84-M.C.Mehta V/s the
Jnion of India & Others, the Taj Protection Mission refers to a group of projects
ntended to check the deterioration of the Taj Mahal on account of the
environmental pollution. The basic issues were discussed in the Hon'ble Supreme
ourt and most of the projept formulations were based on these discussions.

Studies of specialised agencies such as the NEERI, the Vardharajan

Committee, the CPCB and the UPPCB were taken note of by the Hon'ble Court.

It was felt however that a concept paper should be prepared which would
highlight the basic issues involved and outline the initiatives being taken by way of
the projects of the Taj Protection Mission.

I have, attempted to bring together all the aspects of the Taj Protection
Mission into this paper, namely, the problems of the environment vis-a-vis the Taj,
the concerns of the Hon'ble Supreme Court, the projects being implemented and
some basic suggestions.

As a word of caution, I would like to submit that this concept paper is very
elementary as I have gleaned information from various studies conducted by other
specialised agencies and have also drawn upon the collective experience of the
field agencies concerned with the project implementation.
 . A more detailed understanding of the environmental dynamics and its
interaction with the developmental process of Agra would require specialised
treatment by a competent agency or a specialist such as the NEERI, TERI or the
CPCB.

Sd/-
(Prashant Trivedi)
Vice-Chairman,
Agra Development Authority.
Member-Convener.
TTZ Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority.
 CHAPTER-I

THE PROBLEMS
\e city of Agra is well known for having been the capital of the Mughal

Empire, which flourished in the period between 1526 to 1707 A.D. It houses the
Taj Mahal, the world famous monument which is notified in the World Heritage list
of the UNESCO.

The city is beset with problems that plague just about any average city of
India, except that it has attracted attention and aroused concerns in context of the
environmental pressures on the Taj Mahal and other historical monuments in the
region.

Agra can be considered to be the focal point of the Taj Trapezium, which
represents an area of 10,400 sq.km. covering portions of Uttar Pradesh and
Rajasthan. It includes the twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan and also the city of
Firozabad. In Rajasthan the notable area is the town of Bharatpur in which the
Keoladeo National Park is situated.

The city of Agra is spread over an area of 120 sq.km. and has a population
of about 1.2 million. This is projected to double by about 2031. On account of a
large influx of domestic and international tourist and also on account of a daily
influx of labour force from nearby areas, the city is estimated to have a floating
population of about 20,000. This constitutes a tremendous pressure on the city
infrastructure which has not been able to keep pace with the population growth.
Consequently, the pressure has spilled on to the environment.

An attempt to list the problems of city is made below but, in the final
analysis, it stems from the pressure of a fast growing population which engages in
economic and social activities to sustain itself often at the expense of the
environment on which it is dependant for its existence.
 ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT

INPUT OUTPUT

The City
• Household
• Industries
• Commercial
• Institution
• Agriculture

FIG.-1

To understand better the problems that beset the city, it would help to
envisage it as a dynamic system that is interacting with its environment in order to
sustain its host population as is depicted in the Fig.-1. The interaction is two fold. It
draws resources from it in order to carry on the various socio-economic activities
and produces unavoidable wastes. The broader issue of sustainability would
analyse both these input and output processes in the context of the limitation, that
they should not exceed the regenerative and absorptive/assimilative capacities of
the relevant environment sector. Presently, however, we are confined to the output
i.e. the "waste" production. The terrri "waste" is being used with caution as the
latest thoughts in environmental economics tend to classify the conventional
wastes as resources, which should further be used for the production of goods and
services having utility. For the purpose of this paper, however, "waste" denotes
the conventional wastes having substantial resource value.
 The city can be thought of as comprising of the household, industrial,
commercial, institutional and agriculture sectors. Each of these sectors produces
"waste". The environment is conventionally classified into air. water and land,
which receive the wastes as pollutants. There is lateral interaction, as pollution of
any part of the environment would have a spill over effect on the other.

It is now proposed to categorise the problems by grouping them into

categories based on the environmental components, which bears the brunt of the
pollution load.

A- AIR

We confine ourselves to the primary pollutants i.e. SPM, SO2 and NOX. The
National Ambient Air Quality Standards are as follows :—

Annual Average —

Industrial Residential Sensitive

SPM 360ug/m 3 140 ug/m3 70 ug/m3

SO2 80 ug/m3 60 ug/m3 15 ug/m3

NOX 80 ug/m3 60 ug/m3 . 15 ug/m3

The entire TTZ has been notified as a sensitive zone irrespective of location
specific space use. Thus, even an industrial area in the TTZ would be required to
maintain an ambient air quality standards of a sensitive zone.

With respect to the -ambient air quality standards in the city, the data
relating to the lavel of primary pollutants has been obtained from the Regional
Office of the UPPCB and is graphically reproduced below. The readings have
been averaged on an annual basis >
 SPM (ug/m3)

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

FIG.-2

so,

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

FIG.-3

NOK

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 20CO

FIG.-4
 The annual average level of SO2 was as high as 21 ug/m3 in the year 1991,
as against a prescribed normative limit of 15 ug/m3 for sensitive area. In the year
2001, this has come down to 11 ng/m3. Similarly for NOX, the level in the year
1991 was 12 ug/m3. This has come down to a level of 10 ug/m3 in the year 2001.

N The SPM levels remains a cause of concern. As against the permissible

limit of 70 ug/m3, the ambient levels have remained well above 400 ug/m3. It would
be pertinent to point out that even the background levels of SPM assuming the
complete absence of industrial, vehicular and SPM emitting domestic activity,
would be above the prescribed levels of 70 ug/m3. These are due to certain natural
conditions that are prevailing in the vicinity such as :-
(I) proximity of the Thar desert in Rajasthan
(II) ' agricultural activity such as tilling, & ploughing and barren land
coupled with blowing winds generate SPM
(III) pollen of crops, and flowering plants contribute to the levels of SPM
(IV) The river Yamuna which reduces to a trickle in the lean season
exposes vast stretches of sand on its beds and banks which forms a
substantial source of SPM
(V) The low humidity prevalent in this region also promotes formation of
SPM.
Other than natural conditions, these pollutants are derived mainly from
energy sources and combustion activities. The sources can be classified into the
following categories :-
(i) Transport
(ii) Domestic
(iii) Industry
(iv) Power
The status with respect to the above sectors is as follows :-
(I) TRANSPORT
There is substantial pollution on account of the vehicular traffic. The number
of registered vehicles has shown an average annual growth rate of 5.5%. The
table below shows the number and category of vehicle registered :•
7
 Year Car Jeup Taxi 2 Wheeler 3 Wheeler Bus Truck Others Total
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1994 9890 1766 202 148210 3454 973 3183 21147 188825
X995 10418 1914 232 158521 3651 1047 3247 21670 200700
1996 11344 1841 352 168179 3754 1181 3418 20346 210415
1997 12556 844 389 181110 4714 1187 4588 21695 227083
1998 14162 1148 482 195455 5462 1257 4680 22514 245160
1999 15788 1349 565 211243 8589 1338 4733 •21531 265136
2000 18490 1644 639 226669 9670 1396 4925 22383 285816
2001 20890 1920 717 245664 10512 1400 5082 23356 3C9541

Source : RTO Office

The demand in the transport sector is generated mainly from three sources.
• from the inhabitants of the city
• tourist influx
• inter city through traffic
The public transport system is inadequate and meets only 8% of the travel
demand (NATPAC). The Intermediate public transport system comprising of auto,
a tempo and cycle rickshaw is a major mode of intra city movement. The
personalised mode comprising of cars and two wheelers have shown a marked
increase in recent years, as people are forced to use them due to the inadequacy
of the public transport system.
Apart from an inadequate public transport system, there are several other
factors, which cause traffic congestion. These are mainly :-"
(A) Choking of the capacity of the existing road network. The M.G. road is the
main spinal road of the city from which other important roads fork out such as
these going to Bharatpur and Fatehpur-Sikri. The traffic between Gwalior and
Delhi also has to pass through the city using the M.G.road. Similarly, traffic
between Gwalior and Kanpur has to enter the city and go through using the
Yamuna Kinara Road. Thus, the existing network has to bear the load of intra city,
inter city and tourist traffic and their capacity has been exceeded leading to
congestion, vehicular idling and pollution.
(B) Although the Agra Development Authority has developed a Transport Nagar
on the Agra-Mathura Bypass, the transport agencies still continue to function from
the Yamuna Kinara road leading to traffic hazards.
(C) The inter city bus terminal are operating from Bijlighar and Idgah, therein/.
forcing the inter city buses to pass through the city.

It is estimated that for the district of Agra alone the emissions from the
transport sector are as follows :-

Year 1995-96

NO, 4,683 tonnes/year

SO2 501 tonnes/year
TSP 836 tonnes/year

(II) DOMESTIC SECTOR

Another major source of emission of the primary pollutants is the domestic

sectors. The proportion of population consuming various types of cooking fuels
has been enumerated in the census of India 1991. This is as follows :-

District Dung Coal/Coke Charcoal Cooking gas

AGRA Rural 28.7 0.1 0.4 0.4
Urban 8.5 7.1 5.0 30.2

Wood Kerosene Others

68.9 0.1 1.2
41.1 5.7 1.3

Data on per capita consumption of cooking fuels is available, on the basis

of which the emission from the domestic sector has been estimated as follows .-
 NOX 71 tonnes/year

SO2 not significant

TSP 4,469 tonnes/year

V

The domestic sectors also releases pollutants on account of the use of DG

sets to meet the power deficit. This shall be dealt with separately.

(Ill) INDUSTRIES

The major groups of industrial units, which are air-polluting, is,as follows >

(i) FOUNDRIES (Agra)

(ii) GLASS MANUFACTURING (Firozabad)

(iii) BRICK KILNS (TTZ)

(iv) MATHURA REFINERY

There are about 136 cast iron foundries in Agra. Although, efforts are on to
technologically restructure their operations by basing them on gas, most of them
still continue to use coal for their manufacturing process. The Mathura refinery is
also a source of SO2 emissions. The total emission load has been estimated as
follows :-

Tonnes/year
«

District Industry SPM SOj NOx

Agra Foundry 119 5

Mathura Refinery 718 3418 ' 1021

Firozabad « Glass , 270 711 830

Manufacturing
Total 1107 4134 1851
(IV) POWER

The power sector has a direct bearing an air pollution. Due to the deficit in
the power supply, the domestic, commercial and industrial users resort to the use
of Diesel Generating sets to bridge the demand supply gap. It is estimated that
there are around 30.000 DG sets in operation in the city.

10
 There is a peak load demand in the city of 280 MVA. There is no local
•generation of power (except for the DG set operation). Power is "imported"
through the transmission system. The table summarises the transmission
capacities available.

SU8-STN. TRANSMISSION INSTALLED EXPORT TO NET

LEVEL RATIO CAPACITY OUTSIDE AVAILABLE
AREA

400 KV 400/220 980 MVA 180 MVA 800 MVA

(to Rajasthan)
220 KV 220/132 500 MVA 500 MVA
132KV 132/33 360 MVA 80 MVA 280 MVA
(to rural)
33 KV 33/11 300 MVA 300 MVA
The power demand of the various categories of consumers is summarised
in the table below:-

SI. Category UDO-I UOO-li UDD-III UDO-IV UDD-V UDC

No.
Noi. Canntced NCJ. CcwieCrt Nci ConntCKl Nci. CannsCM .Vcs. NCJ. Cc."fCM
tortJikW kMdnkW kjJfl n rtV 'CJd A V.V 'cj: n tfV 'C« ,1 i'.V

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 a 9 10 11 12 13 u
1- Domestic 21490 16375 " 25494 4525 3342S 61979 3J3C2 479:9 327!o UC53 I5i:3i 2153J1
(LFJLMV-1
2- Commercial 1630? 1U3J 3242 2S43J 5152 11199 5736 30133 4320 7JJ: 4C257 J4S-3 !
•(LF.)IWV-I
3- Small & 709 3159 jy 10713 1?23 27904 570 5325 5™ ^ i:CC 4375 •••'''
Medium
Power LMV-5
4- la<.je & 3 912 20 3«6 9? 16655 11 2047 5 ;:o i;s 237=0
Heavy HV-2J
5- Public UgM 3 1352 4 540 7 4COO 4 750 2 •51 25 ;:a
LMV-3
6- Water Woru 4 460 5<5 2462 <J6 i O5 22 4372
• 10 J

7- S.T.W. - - 2 106 - - 1 :o - - 3 ::s i

8- P.T.W. - - - 39 247 457 <rjfl - - <« UJ77 :

9- Wy. Traction - - - -
' | *
- - '
JiO !
t
j JfJ

JJJ1J 4«S9« 34SJJ »ia 40CUJ I24U4 15CW JJ4J7 M!32 55C-3 15<4«« 4iy:j
i"

11
 It is evident that for the city of Agra at the 132 KV level there is a net
transformation capacity available of 280 MVA. This is just equal to the peak load
demand and this is indeed a very tight fit. Normally, as per the norms of the PCL,
the substations should be loaded upto a level of 70% of the installed capacity. At
the same time there is no buffer supply to cater to the growth in demand. The
power demand is growing at the rate of 13% per annum and by the year 2010 it
would be about 560 MVA.

The distribution system is extremely weak and results in frequent

breakdowns. At the best of times, there would be a supply gap of two hours
(average).

Due to a lack of availability of sufficient and assured power supply, there is

substantial operation of the DG sets.

The annual emissions of primary pollutants on account of DG sets are

estimated as follows :-

SPM 255 tonnes/year

SO2 1776 tonnes/year

NOX 3567 tonnes/year

The proportional emissions of primary pollutants from various sectors can

be summarised as follows :-

12
(I) TSP/SPM

TSP

; a Transport
!«DG sets
;O Industry
QOomestig

Domestic
81%

(II) S02

S02

Q Transport
• OG sets
O Industry
Industry
62!
 (Ill) NOx .

NO..

: B Transport
• • OG sets j
i
!D Industry i
OG s«ti
•Q Domestic

Thus, it is evident that a$ regards the SPM, 81% of the total emissions
emanates from the domestic sectors due to the use of biomass as a cooking fuel
by the rural and urban population. This has major policy implications for the supply
of subsidised LPG and kerosene oii to the masses so as to prevent the use of
biomass.
*
As regards SO2, 62% of the emissions is generated by the industrial sector
and 27% on account of the DG set operations. The transport sector is the major
source of NOX emissions.

B- WATER

Pollution of water bodies is a result of the generation of city sewage and

^

industrial effluents and an inadequate infrastructural capacity to collect and treat

the same.
The city has a very poor sewerage cover. Only 20% of the city population
is covered by a sewerage system comprising of 20 km. of trunk sewer lines and
120 km. of branch sewer lines. Mostly, the residents have their ov/n soak pits or
are discharging the sewage into local ponds.
The drainage cover of the city is also extremely poor. Topographically the
city can be divided into seven drainage districts.

U
 Area Drainage Cover
"I) CITY DRAINAGE DISTRICT 1347 1347
ii) WESTERN " " • 1320 470
iii) SOUTH " " 526 185
'iv) ' SOUTHERN " " 664 80
v) TAJGANJ " " 985 310
vi) NORTHERN " " 415 90
vii) TRANS YAMUNA " " 850 572
Total Area 6107 3054

Thus, out of a total area of 6107 ha , only 3054 ha. has drainage cover.

Before the commissioning of the STP at Dhandhpura under the YAP, the
sewage was being pumped by a network of sewage pumping stations into sewage
farms without any treatment.

But now a sewage treatment plant of a capacity of 78 MLD has been

commissioned in the CIS YAMUNA area near Dhandhupura under the YAP. The
Trans Yamuna side of the city is mainly an industrial area wherein several small
and medium scale industries are operating. Many of those industries are
discharging their wastewater directly into the drainage without any pre-treatment.
Now a STP of 10 MLD has been commissioned in Trans Yamuna area near Pila
Khar under YAP for tapping sullage from open drains.

The system of the management of solid waste generated in a city has

implications for the pollution of land surface as also the water bodies and ground
water. Presently, the population of Agra city is about 1.2 million. Due to the daily
influx of tourist and labor force from nearby towns, the daily floating population is
estimated to be about 20,000 persons. Assuming a daily per capita waste
generation of 503 gms.. the total waste generation of the city is about 620 tonnes.
On the industrial side, the Petha manufacturing units are generating considerable
amounts of organic waste, which is getting, mixed with municipal waste.
15
 The solid waste management of the city is the responsibility of the
Municipal Corporation. There are several deficiencies, some infrastructural and
others relating to management capacities. The local storage of waste is done in
iron bins of various capacities and dalao ghars (masonry structure). This capacity
is inadequate. As against a requirement of 3000 m 3 , the availability is only 2300
m3. Consequently, waste is dumped outside the bins. There is no system of house
to house collection, which, results in people throwing their wastes into the streets,
or some unoccupied land or into the drains. There is no primary segregation of
waste into recyclable and compostable and inert categories. The transportation
capacity of the corporation is also not sufficient. The trenching ground at Shahadra
is presently full and the waste, which is being dumped, is spilling on to road side.
There is no system for recycling and composting which is resulting in a waste of
resources. Practices relating to dumping at the landfill site are not scientific. There
is no system of compacting the waste and covering it with inert material. As a
result of which, there is foul smell, and the presence of rodents, pests and birds.
There are also several unrecognised dumpsites in the city. Sweepers also often
resort to open burning of the wastes.

16
 THE INITIATIVE
The problems facing the city of Agra, plagues just about any average city of
the state. But what sets it apart is the fact that it is home to the most beautiful
monument of the "world", the Taj Mahal. Built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan,
the Mughal Emperor, in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is the most
important tourist destination of India attracting about 2.4 million tourists annually.
•>
Concerns regarding the environmental threat to this monument was voiced
in the Hon'ble Supreme Court through a Public Interest Litigation filed by the noted
"Green" Advocate Mr. M.C.Mehta. The Writ Petition No. 13381/84-M.C.Mental V/s
Union of India & others raised several issues pertaining to the environmental
pressures on the monument as well as the socio-economic and physical
conditions of the city.
In this chapter, it is proposed to list a sample of observations of the Hon'ble
Supreme Court, as also the findings of the various, expert committees in this
regard. For this would provide a vital insight into the concepts which guided the
formulation of the Taj Protection Mission.
The concern regarding the environmental threat to the Taj has been
articulated in the landmark judgement of Hon'ble Justice Shri Kuldeep Singh dated
30/12/96, and is as follows :-
A- "The Taj is threatened with deterioration and damage not only by the
traditional causes of decay, but also by the changing social and economic
conditions which aggravate the situation with even more formidable
phenomena of damage and destruction."
This judgement also provides the conceptual underpinnings for the Taj
Protection Mission. Relevant-extracts from it are reproduced below :-
B- "According to the petitioner, the foundries, chemical/hazardous industries
and the refiner/ at Mathura are the major sources of damage to the Taj.
The sulphurdioxide emitted by the Mathura Refinery and the industries
when combined with oxygen - with aid of moisture - in the atmosphere
forms sulphuric acid called "Acid rain" which has a corroding effect on the
gleaming white marble. Industrial/Refinery emissions, brick-kilns, vehicular
traffic and generator sets are primarily responsible for polluting the ambient
air around the Taj Trapezium (1TZ). The petition states that the white
marble has yellowed and blackened in places."

17
 The judgement also quoted some of the findings of the Vardharajan
• Committee Report titled as "The Report on the Environmental Impact of Mathura
Refinery". One of them is given below :-

C- "There is substantial level of pollution of sulphur dioxide and particulate

matter in the Agra region. The possible sources are all coal users consisting
of two power plants, a number of small industries mainly foundries
i (approximately 250) and a Railway Shunting Yard. As far as suspended
particulate matters are concerned, because of use of coal, contribution will
be substantial. Even though the total amount of emission of sulphur dioxide
from these sources may be small, on account of their proximity to the
monuments, their contribution to the air quality of the zone will be
considerably high."

With respect to the Mathura refinery the judgement directed that the
recommendations of the NEERI be complied with. These were mainly :-

a) Use of natural gas

b) Improved Sulphur recovery unit

c) Setting up of a Hydro cracking unit

d) Chemo and biochemical sulphur recovery

e) Setting up of a green belt around the refinery

D- "The^Central Board for the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution, New
Delhi, published a report (Control of Urban Pollution Series CUPS/7/1981-
82) under the title "Inventory and Assessment of Pollution Emission in and
around Agra-Mathura Region (Abridged)". The relevant findings are as
under:- «i
X

Industrial activities which are in operation in Agra city and its

outskirts could be categorised as (i) Ferrous Metal Casting using Cupolas
(Foundry); (ii) Ferro-alloy and Non-Ferrous Castings using Crucibles,
Rotary Furnaces etc.^iii) Rubber Processing; (iv) Lime Oxidation and
N
Pulverising; (v) Engineering; (vi) Chemical; and (vii) Brick and Refractory
Kilns (Table 4-1) The contribution of sulphur dioxide
through emission primarily from the combustion from the fuels comprising
hard coke, steam coal, wood and fuel oil is estimated as 3.64 tonnes per
day from industrial activities in the Agra city and its outskirts (Table 5-3).
18
 The vehicular contribution as estimated from traffic census in 6 road
crossings is only 65 kg. a day or 0.065 tonnes a day and should be
considered negligible for the present (Para 7.4)."
As regards other industries in the TTZ the judgement directed as follows :-
E- "Based on the reports of various technical authorities mentioned in this
judgement,* we have already reached the finding that the emissions
generated by the coke/coal consuming industrial units emit pollutants and
have damaging effect on the Taj and the people living in the TTZ. The
atmospheric pollution in TTZ has to be eliminated at any cqst. Not even one
t
per cent chance can be taken when - human life apart - the preservation of
a prestigious monument like the Taj is involved. In any case, in view of the
precautionary principle as defined by this Court, the environmental *
measures must anticipate, prevent and attack the causes of environmental
degradation. The 'onus of proof is on an industry to show that its operation
with the aid of coke/coal is environmentally benign. It is, rather, proved
beyond doubt that the emissions generated by the use of coke/coal by the
industries in TTZ are the main polluters of the ambient air.
We, therefore, hold that the above-mentioned 292 industries shall as
per the schedule indicated hereunder change-over to the natural gas as an
industrial fuel. The industries, which are not in a position to obtain gas
connections - for any reason - shall stop functioning with the aid of coke/
coal in the TTZ and may relocate themselves."
With respect to the Brick Kilns, the Hon'ble Supre'me Court in its order
dated May 10, 1996 has ordered that "(i) All licenced brick kilns within 20 km.
radial distance from the Taj Mahal, other significant monuments & Bharatpur bird
sanctuary shall be closed and stop operating w.e.f. 15/8/96. Court directed the
State Govt. to render all possible assistance to licence brick kiln owners in
relocation beyond TTZ if owner so desire. The closure order is however
unconditional, (ii) Court directs the DM & SSP to close all unlicenced &
»
unauthorized brick kilns operating in the TTZ with immediate effect. UPPCB shall
* file a compliance report within 2 months, (Hi) No new licence shall be issued for the
J. . establishment of brick kiln within 20 km. radial distance from the Taj Mahal other
| monuments in TTZ & Bharatpur bird sanctuary".

i
| ' 19

I
I
 F- The Court in its judgement dated 30 December. 1996 spelt out the
following issues that it would monitor in order to control air pollution in TTZ
as follows :-

"This Court is separately monitoring the following issues for controlling air
pollution in TTZ :-

a) The setting up of hydrocracker unit and various other devices by the

Mathura Refinery.

b) The setting up of 50 bed hospital and two mobile dispensaries by the

Mathura Refinery to provide medical aid to the people living in the
surrounding areas (Court order dated Augsut 7, 1996).

c) Construction of Agra bypass to divert all the traffic, which passes

through the city. Under directions of this Court, 24 kms. stretch of the
bypass shall be completed by the end of December 1996 (Court order
dated April 10, 1996).
<•

d) Additional amount of Rs. 54 Cr. sanctioned by the Planning Commission

to be utilised by the State Government for the construction of electricity
supply projects to ensure 100 per cent uninterrupted electricity to the
TTZ. This is necessary to stop the operation of generating sets which
are major source of air pollution in the TTZ (Court orders dated April 10,
1996. May 10, 1996, August 30, 1996, September 4, 1996 and
^September 10, 1996).

e) The construction erf Gokul Barrage, Water Supply works of Gokul

Barrage, roads around Gokul Barrage, Agra Barrage and Water Supply
of Agra Barrage, have also been undertaken on a time schedule basis to
supply drinking water to the residents of Agra and to bring life into river
Yamuna which is next to the Taj (Court order dated May 10. 19§6 and
August 30. 1996).

f) Green belt as recommended by NEERI has been set up around the Taj.
Pursuant to continuous monitoring of this Court, the Green belt has
become a reality.
g) This Court suggested to the Planning Commission by order dated
September 4. 1996 to consider sanctioning separate allocation for the
city of Agra and the creation of separate cell under the control of Central

20
 Government to safeguard and preserve the Taj. the city of Agra and
other national heritage monuments in the TTZ.

h) All emporia and shops functioning within the Taj premises have been
directed to be closed.

i) Directions have been issued to the Government of India to decide the

issue, pertaining to declaration of Agra as a heritage city within two
months."

G- The Court has also directed in its order dated 4/2/98 that no polluting
vehicles of visitors and tourists should be allowed within 500 metres of the
monument. It also directed the Agra Development Authority to construct a parking
complex beyond 500 metres on the Western side.
The Court in its order dated 10/11/95 has also made the following
observation regarding the construction of a Slaughter House :-
H- "The . construction of Slaughter House at Agra is most important for
environmental protection, pollution control and tourism purpose. The Taj
Mahal at Agra attracts large number of tourists every year. The city has to
be kept clean and pollution free. We are of the view that the construction of
Slaughter House at Agra has to be taken up separately and with utmost
urgency. Top priority should be given to this project."
Rega/ding the need for a bypass to eare the problem of traffic congestion
and reduce vehicular pollution the Hon'ble Court in its order dated 1/3/1996
directed as follows :-
I- "It has been brought to our notice that about 14,000 trucks carrying about
64,000 tonnes of weight pass through the city of Agra every day. According
to the experts, the passage of such a large number of trucks through the
city of Agra every day causes huge lot of pollution. 'It has been suggested
by various authorities including the Agra Heritage Project that it is of utmost
urgency that a bypass be constructed for diverting the traffic from the city of
Agra "
"If this part of the bypass is constructed, almost 50% of the traffic can be
diverted "
"We are of the view that the above mentioned part of bypass should be
completed within six months "
21
 ' J- In its order dated 4/9/1998 the Court accepted the report jointly submitted
by the NEERI and the CPCB which inter-allia mentioned that "considering the
prevailing unhygienic conditions in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal due to Tajganj
drain in particular, and the entire city of Agra in general, it is recommended that
K

the city should be provided with scientifically designed, constructed and operated
sewerage system with high priority due to its international significance as a tourist
centre. The design will ensure that no pumping station is located within 500 m.
area of the Taj Mahal."

K- Regarding the parking of vehicles on the Western side of the Taj the Court
in its order dated 7/12/1998 stated "we directed the existing parking site at the
Western gate of the Taj Mahal shall be closed and alternative parking site shall be
developed at Amrood-Ka-Teela, as suggested by the Sub-Committee, as the
alternative site would be beyond 500 metres of the Taj Mahal. Since the
development of alternative site will take some time, we directed that the existing
site will be used for parking of vehicles for another 6 months. Thereafter, it shall be
closed."
>
It is evident that the Hon'ble Supreme Court has passed several orders
pertaining to almost every aspects of the Taj Mahal and its inter-relatedness with
» the environment and the city of Agra. The above extracts from the various
judgements are intended only to explain the focus of the Taj Protection Mission.

22
 CHAPTER - II!
THE TAJ PROTECTION MISSION

In the previous chapter certain extracts from the various orders of the
Hon'ble Supreme Court have been quoted with a view to highlight the basic
issues.
The efforts that were required to be taken can be categorised as follows :-
I) REGULATORY or ENFORCEMENT MEASURES
I!) DEVELOPMENTAL MEASURES
Under the regulatory measures, the Court directed the agencies concerned
to taken certain action relating to pollution control. These actions were either of a
"end of the pipe treatment" approach such as installation of APCD (Air Pollution
Control Device) by the industries, brick kilns and the Mathura Refinery, or even a
change of technology as in the case of the iron foundries and the glass
manufacturing units.
The Court has also directed that certain development initiatives be taken in
order to improve the environmental condition of the city. The Court had made the
following suggestion so as to make funds available in its order dated 4/9/96 >
"We have suggested to Mr.K.M.Lal that the Planning Commission should
consider having a separate planned allocation for the environmental protection of
the Taj Mahal which is a world heritage and one of the wonders of the world. Lot of
money is required to protect the environment, save the Taj from pollution and for
the growth of tourism. For this purpose, it would "be advisable that a separate
allocation should be made which should be utilised under the supervision of the
Central Government. Even a special cell can be created to look after the Taj
Mahal. This is only a suggestion for the consideration of the Planning Commission
and the Government of Iridia.
This was the beginning of the Taj Protection Mission, which had the
following objectives :-
• environmental protection of the Taj
• improving the levels of sanitation and the physical condition of life in the
city
• promote the growth of tourism.
These objectives have guided the formulation of the projects of the Taj
Protection Mission and should be the criteria to judge its relevance.
It was also agreed in the Planning Commission that the Central
Government shall consider an allocation of Rs.300 Cr. during the Ninth Plan on a
fifty-fifty percent matching basis with State Govt. to cover the estimated cost of
Rs.600 Cr. to implement the scheme for the protection of the Taj.
23
 At the time of writing of the concept paper, the following projects are in the
process of implementation :-

FOCUS AREA Rs. in Crores

BASIC GOAL DEPARTMENT SL. NO PROJECTS APPROVED MM8 & GOI (EFC] COST
V 1 2 3 4 5
«
Improvement of JAL NIGAM 1 Water Supply Agra 72.80
A the levels of sani- 2 (i) Water Supply Mathura-Vrindavan (Phase 1 & II) 42.00
tation & physical (ii) Water Supply Mathura-Vrindavan (Phase-Ill) 19.69
conditions of life [MM8]
TOTAL (i & ii) 61.69
3 Agra Sewerage 43.57
4 Storm Water Drainage System Agra-
(i) Jal Nigarii 5.65
(ii) Nagar Nigam 0.95
TOTAL (i & ii 6.60
SUB-TOTAL 184.66
NAGAR NIGAM 5 Solid Waste Management 7.49
IRRIGATION 6 Gokul Barrage 30.70
7 Agra Barrage 120.47
SU8-TOTAL- 151.17
B P.W.O. 8' Construction of One Part of Agra Southern Bypass 26.51
(MM8)
Environmental 9 mprovement of 20 Agra City Roads 27.47
Protection SUB-TOTAL- 53.58
A.O.A. 10 Widening of Agra Byepass 0.76
11 mprovement of Master Plan Roads of Agra City 22.97
12 mprovement of Parking on Western Gate of Taj 0.94
SUB-TOTAL- 24.67
U.P.P.C.L. 13 mprovement of Electric Supply in Agra .9.11
14 mprovement of Electric Supply in the rural areas 39.09
of Agra & Fatehpur-Sikri
SUB-TOTAL- 48.20
FOREST 15 i) Plantation " 9.43
ii) Maintenance of Plantation (MMB] 2.38
SUB-TOTAL- 11.81
CPCB 16 Set up of 4 Monitoring Station [MMB] 0.71
GRAND-TOTAL 482.69

Promotion of tourism is an implicit goal and need not be taken up as an exclusive

head.

2-1
 As was required by the Planning Commission, the Government of U.P. has
•constituted a Mission Management Board on 9th May, 1997 for overseeing the
implementation, and for monitoring and reviewing the various programmes/
schemes formulated for the protection of the Taj Mahal. The constitution of the
Mission Management Board is as under :-
1. v Chief Secretary , Govt Of U.P. Chairman
2. Finance Secretary , Govt. of U.P. Member
3. Commissioner, Agra Division, Govt. of U.P. Member
4. • Secretary (Power), Govt. of U.P. Member
5. Secretary ( Environment & Forests), Govt. of U.P Member
6. Representative of Ministry of Environment & Forests. Member
7. Representative of Ministry of Power. Member
8. 'Representative of Ministry of Urban Development. Member
9. Representative of Planning Commission. Member
10. Representative of Ministry of Surface Transport. Member
11. Representative of Ministry of Water Resources. Member
At the divisional level the implementation is over seen and co-ordinated by
the TTZ Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority, which was constituted by the
Ministry of Environment & Forests vide Notification No. 258, dated May 18. 1999
and having the following composition :-
1. Commissioner, Agra Division Chairman
2. Chairman, Uttar. Pradesh State Pollution Control Member
Board
3. Deputy Inspector General of Police, Agra Range Member
4. Member-Secretary, Central Pollution Control Board Member
5. A representative of the Ministry of Petroleum and Member
Natural Gas
6. A representative of Ministry of Environment and Member
Forests
7. A representative of Archaeological Survey of India Member
8. . Vice-Chairman, Agra Development Authority Member-Convener
 A brief description of the projects is a follows :-
A- WATER SUPPLY AGRA
PROJECT DESCRIPTION

As per the 1991 census the population of Agra was 9.48 lacs. Presently it is
estimated to be about 12 lacs. At the end of the design period i.e. 2031, it is
projected to be 24 lacs.
Agra City has been divided into 25 water supply zones. 15 zones are
developed and are covered by a piped water supply system. The remaining 10
zones are undeveloped.
As per CPHEEO norms the requirement of water is estimated to be 150
Ipcd. Hence by the year 2031 the total demand of water will be 473 MLD. The
project has been formulated to develop an efficient distribution system for water in
for whole of the Agra City. The project components are as follows :—

S.No. NarteofWork Quantity of Work Approved cost

(Rs. in lacs)

1. Laying of Distrbn. 600 km (Appro.) 1808.34

System 25 zones
2. Ground Level 10 No. 217.76
Reservoir •

3. O.H.T 15 No. 1767.00

4. Pump House 8 No. 25.00
5. Zonal Pumping 60 zonal 604.15
Plants 42 No.
6. . Rising. Mains 4 No. 1329.49
7 " HeadWork Pumping Job 185.00
Plants & Power Conn.
8 Repair of Zonal 4 No. 100.00
Ground level Reservoir
9. Renovation of works in water job 161.26
Works i.e. Pump house, waste
Water drain e.t.c supply of
New T& P

26
10. Land Acqn. 8 Nos. 480.00

Total 6678.35
Contingencies 2% 133.57
6811.92
* Less 5 % for work effecting .340.59
Total 6471.33
Centage12.5% 808.92
Total ^ 7280.25

PRESENT STATUS

The above project has been cleared by the EFC for Rs.72.80 crores. 31
Detailed Projects worth Rs,73.73 crores had been cleared and works are under
progress.

Remaining 4 DPR have been prepared and are under appraised.

Rs.46.50 crores have been released and about Rs.41.30 crores have been
spent. The physical progress is as follows :—
1. 192 Km. of .pipe line has been laid in 19 zones namely Hariparwat,
Ghatwasan-l,H, Lohamandi, Kotwali, Tajganj-I, Shahganj-l.lll, Bodla-l.ll &
III, Rakabganj, Mafthan, Chhata, Khandari, Dayalbagh, Sikandra-l &
Bundukatra.
2. 2 Nos. filter beds'of W.W.I have been repaired and ready to use.
3. Repairing & rehabilitation works in W.W.I, such as wastewater drain, pump
houses etc. have been completed.
4. All the pumping plants of 11 old zones have been replaced.
5. Construction of Service reservoirs of Shahganj-l, Shahganj-lll and Tajganj-i
and Swami Bagh Dayal Bagh zones have been completed.
6. . Repair of CWR of Kotwali, Sikandra and Khandari have been completed.
7. Trunk rising mains in a length of 17.14 Km. from water works I & II to zonal
pumping stations have been laid.
8. OHT of Kotwali, Shahganj-lll, Bundukatra, Bodla-l! have been completed.

27
 B- WATER SUPPLY MATHRA-VRINDAVAN

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Mathura-Vrindavan water supply reorganization scheme project has

been prepared in three phases i.e. Intake works, zonal reservoirs, feeder main and
distribution system. The population of Mathura and Vrindavan town is 2,26,157
and 47,720 respectively as per 1991 census. It is projected to be 4,92,000 and
1,20,000 in the year 2021. Rate of water supply has been taken as 150 Ipcd as per
CHPEEO manual. Accordingly total requirement of clear water will be 91.80 MLD.
Estimates of works of phase I, if & III have been prepared amounting to
Rs. 1236.71 lacs, Rs.4336 lacs and Rs.2665 lacs respectively. Out of which state
EFC has approved the works of Rs. 1236.71 lacs, Rs.2669.78 lacs and Rs.1969
lacs. Treatment plant of 101 MLD and 4500 KL Storage Reservoir will be
constructed in phase I. Feeder main from treatment plant to Mathura & Vrindavan
town and zonal reservoirs & pumping stations will be constructed in phase-ll.
Distribution system reorganisation is proposed in Phase-Ill.
The construction works of Intake well and clear water reservoir of 4500 KL
has been completed. The construction work of 101 MLD Water Treatment Plant is
in progress and 2 filter beds are under trial run. Feeder main has been laid & is in
progress. Ground Level reservoirs of Bhuteshwar, Mukharjee Park, Jawahar Bag,
Jai Singh Pura & Dampier Nagar area are under construction. Installation work of
raw water pumping plants at intake well and clear water pumping plant at 2 clear
water CWR/Pump House is completed. Power has been made available by
U.P.P.C.L. Four Tubewells have also been constructed in Laxminagar locality,
which is presently a tubewell zone. Partial benefits of these works will be available
to public by December, 2001. In Phase-Ill, work is in-progress in Jawahar Bagh,
Bhuteshwar & Laxmi Nagar area of Mathura, which are named as zone-l, IV & IX.
In these 3 zones 45 km. pipe line has been laid out of total 412 km. long pipe line
proposed in all the 14 zones of Mathura & Vrindavan towns.
Rs.44.32 crores have been released and about Rs.33.70 crores have been
spent.
*
Estimate Approved by EFC
Phase-! - Rs.1621 lacs. Rs.1236.71 lacs
Phase-ll - Rs.4336 lacs Rs.2669.78 lacs
Phase-Ill - Rs.2665 lacs Rs. 1969.00 lacs

23
C- STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
JAL NIGAM
Agra Drainage
v EFC has sanctioned the construction of the following four new drains :—
COST Physical Progress
(Rs.in Crores) (in %)
1. Nawal Ganj in Trans 2.54 DPR cost Rs.64.17 lacs. 100%
Yamuna Area Approved by CPHEEO.

2. Bheem Nagar 0.41 DPR cost Rs.57.95 lacs 100%

Approved by CPHEEO.

3. Sikandra 0.77 DPR cost Rs.70.34 lacs 100%

Approved by CPHEEO.

4. Mustafa Quarter 1.93 Gravity flow not possible. -

to Namner Nala Hence, provisions of pumping
is being included. Construction
of sump well & drains have been
started.

Total cost of project Rs. 5.65 crores

Total expenditure incurred is Rs. 2.20 crores.

NAGAR NIGAM
EFC has also cleared the proposal for cleaning the following drains by the
Nagar Nigam :-
COST Physical Progress
(Rs.in Crores) (in %)
1. Paliwal Park 5.92 Work has been completed. 100%
2. Mantola 31.27 Desilting work is in progress. 72%
3. Bhairon 1.33 Work has been completed. 100%
4. ' Taj East Gate 56.10 Work is in progress. Revised , 97%
project of Rs. 131.16 lacs
approved by MMB.

The above projects have been cleaied for Rs. 94.62 lacs
Hence the total cost of the project for the storm water drainage is Rs. 6.60
crores. Rs. 6.60 crores has been released and Rs. 2.88 crores spent.

29
 D- SOLiD WASTE MANAGEMENT

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
To improve the solid waste management system in the city projects worth
Rs. 7.49 crores have been approved by the EFC. The funds have been released
to the Nagar Nigam.

The project proposes to procure equipments such as dumper placers,

wheel dozer, excavator loader, wheel barrows, tipping carts, and mud/sullage
pumps. Some works of civil construction have also been included such as the
construction of workshop shed and purchase'of workshop equipment.

Two trenching grounds are proposed to be made after acquiring suitable

lands. The land at Naraich is already in possession of Nagar Nigam and
boundry/fencing work has started.

Twenty community latrines and RCC platforms for placement of dumper

placer bins have been proposed.

PRESENT STATUS

Rs. 7.49 crores has been released and the expenditure reported till end of
October, 2001 is Rs. 7.43 crores.
\d has been acquired at Naraich for the development a new trenching

ground. The land identified at Karbhana was fundable unsuitable, therefore

another land is being selected near the Gwalior road.

All the vehicles and ^implements for containerised handling of solid waste
have been purchased and nine out of ten covered tipper trucks have been
procured.

The implements for primary collection of wastes have been procured. A

new workshop shed has been constructed at Transport Nagar for maintenance
and upkeep of waste handling vehicles.
Eight sullage/mud pumps have been procured. 133 Nos. RCC platforms
have been constructed in various parts of the city for the placement of Dumper
Placer bins.

90% construction of community latrines is complete.

30
 E- GQKUL BARRAGE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The projec; began in 1990 and the estimates prepared on the basis of 1988
prices were of Rs. 29.75 crores. Based on 1998 prices, the estimated cost of the
project is Rs. 93.64 crores. EFC has approved it for Rs.92.20 crores. Out of which
the Vvorks component is about Rs. 82.98 crores. Rs. 61.50 crores were released
by MUD and Rs.30.70 crores had been proposed to provide as a part of the TTZ.
The entire amount has been released.
T»

The Barrage has been constructed on the river Yamuna near Murlidhar
Ghat in Mathura. The submergence area of this Barrage is 25900 Sq. Km. and it is
designed for a flood discharge at 9500 cusec. The proposed pond level is RL
1.65.00 Mt. The net storage capacity is 13017 acre feet.

PRESENT STATUS
' Rs.30.70 crores has been released as a part of the TTZ scheme.
Expenditure incurred is Rs.21.64 crores. The project is now complete &
commissioned.

F- CONSTRUCTION OF ONE PART OF AGRA BYPASS

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Runakta NH2 KANPUR

DELHI

4.1 Km.

Kirawali
NH11
To Jaipur NH3
To Gwalicr
Canal Road

Proposed Parallel Bypass Rcac

31
 The southern bypass takes off from NH-2 at Runakta and proceeds along
the Kirawali road for as abqut 4.1 Km. It then runs along the canal for about 19.9
Km., cutting NH-11 and joining NH-3. The bypass thus seeks to bypass the
vehicular traffic between Gwalior and Delhi.
This project has been cleared by the EFC for Rs. 10.65 crores. The work
has been taken up in a two phase manner. In the first phase, the existing canal
service road has been widened and strengthened. From an initial width of 3 Mt., it
was widened to 3.7 Mt. Subsequently, Agra Development Authority widened the
road to 4.7 Mt. Phase-ll was cleared by EFC for Rs. 8.00 crores released although
Rs. 5.45 crores has been spent by the PWDV
In the second phase, a road parallel to the existing canal road of 4.7 Mt.
width is proposed to be made to serve as a bypass of NH standards.
This has been necessitated due to frequent traffic congestion that are
taking place on account of the trees that line the canal road, and the orders of the
Supreme Court banning their felling.
EFC has cleared Phase-ll for Rs. 8.86 crores. The total cost of Phase-l and
Phase-l! is Rs.10.65 crores.
The traffic load being more than 1500 vehicles/24 Hr's period (about 2400),
has led to a change in specification.
The estimate has been revised as per National Highway norms. Provision
for two lane (7.0 m wide) mechanical compaction, Granular sub-base, WMM has
been included. The revised estimate stands at Rs 26.91 crores and has been
• submitted to the State EFC for clearance. MMB has approved the revised
specifications in principle, subject to examination by State EFC.
PRESENT STATUS
Rs.10.65 crores has been released upto 10/2001 and about Rs. 5.45 crores
are reported to have been spent upto OctobeV, 2001.
Out of 19.90 Km.s, 18.02 Km. land is purchased by personal negation and
Rs.183.00 lacs has been disbursed as compensation 16.2 Km. of earth work has
taken place and mechanical compaction is in progress.
GSB-l.in 15.23 Km. and GSB-II in 2.6 Km. has been completed.
Remaining works is in progress.
 G- WIDENING OF AGRA BYPASS
P

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Agra Development Authority had widened the Southern bypass along
the canal from the existing width of 3.7 Mt. to 4.7 Mt. MMB had approved the
projects worth 0.76 crores. Rs.0.76 crores have been released by the Environment
Ministry. Agra Development Authority has executed the works incurring an
expenditure of 0.72 crores and the work is complete.

H- IMPROVEMENT OF MASTER PLAN ROAD OF AGRA CITY

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

To complete the missing links in 16 Master Plan roads, projects worth

Rs.7.59 crores has bee.n approved by the EFC.

Projects worth Rs. 6.61 crores have been cleared for the strengthening cf
10 existing Master Plan roads.

Provision of Rs. 2.04 crores has been made

%
for street lighting and about
Rs.4.97 crores has been made for land acquisition.

Tetal project cost cleared is about Rs. 22.97 crores.

4

PRESENT STATUS
i
Rs.18.60 crores has been released as of date and an expenditure of
Rs.14.90 crores have been reported. Land acquisition through negotiations is in
progress. Out of 10 strengthening components. 7 Master Plan roads are rearing
completion and out of 16 missing gaps, 7 roads are nearing completion and wcrks
o
on 3 roads are in progress and work on another one road in Dayal Bagh is to start.

A revised project for 7 roads for strengthening components and 11 reads

as missing links and 2 new roads in the proximity of Taj with a total outlay cf
Rs.22.97 crores has been approved by State EFC and the MMB.

33
 I- IMPROVEMENT OF ELECTRIC SUPPLY IN AGRA

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Rs. 9.11 crores has been approved by the EFC for the installation of a 315
MVA transformer at the 400 KV sub station at Pilipokhar.
v

PRESENT STATUS

Rs.9.11 crores has been released. Rs.6.47 crores has been spent. The
transformer has been commissioned.

J- IMPROVEMENT OF ELECTRIC SUPPLY IN RURAL AREAS OF AGRA &

FATEHPUR-SIKRI

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The scheme to bring about an improvement in the power supply in the rural
areas in the TTZ has been cleared by the EFC. Projects totaling up to Rs.39 09
crores have been approved.

Rs. 29.09 crores has been earmarked for works in the distribution sector
and about Rs. 10.00 crores has been set aside for improving the transmission
system.
*

(I) DISTRIBUTION WORKS

t

In this sector, 11 new 33/11 KV substations are proposed to be constructed

(Abstract B). This project is costed at Rs. 9.48 crores

. The transformation capacities of 18 existing substations are to be

increased, and about 18 Km. of 33 KV lines have to be laid.

N.E villages falling within 20 Km radius of the Taj Mahal and 15 Km radius
of Fatehpur-Sikri have to be electrified. About 357 villages are to be taken up. The
transformation capacity of 50 LT substation in Mathura is to be increased About
95 slums/ villages within the municipal limits of Agra have to be electrified.

The distribution system of the town of Hathras. Mursan and Mendu is

proposed to be strengthened.

The above details are summarized in a tabular form as Abstract A. B & C.

(II) TRANSMISSION WORKS

In the transmission sector, a new substation of 132 KV is to be constructed

at Bodla. Land had been offered by the Agra Development Authority at
concessional rates. The substation has been commissioned. Transmission
capacity of 132 KV substation at Bah, Hathras and Shamshabad has been
doubled. Project worth Rs.10.00 crores have been approved in this sector.
PRESENT STATUS

Against an approved cost of Rs.39.09 crores, about Rs.29.11 crores has

been released. Expenditure incurred is about Rs.27.10 crores. Substation at
Saiyan, Akola, Dhamota & Majahra have been constructed and work at Papri
Nagar, Karholi, Khairagarh, Kathras Junction is in progress.
In 110 Nos. out of 357 Nos. coded villages and 175 Hamlets electrification
work has been completed.

ABSTRACT - "A"
S.NO. DESCRIPTION OF WORKS | QUANTITY COST( in lacs)
DISTRIBUTION SECTOR
1. Construction of 33/1 1 KV sub-station 11 No. 948.00
2. Increasing of transformation capacity of 18 No. 394.77
existing sub-station
3. Construction of 33 KV lines 18 Km. 54.00
4. - Electrification of N.E. villages 357 No. 1347.99
5. Increasing capacity of 1 1/0.4 KV sub- 50 No. 25.00
station
6. Electrification of slums & villages within 95 No. 95.00
municipal limits
7. Improvement works in the towrrof LS 45.00
Hathras, Mursan and Mendu
Sub-Total 2909.76
TRANSMISSION SECTOR •
8. Construction of 132 kv substation at 1 700.00
Bodla (1X40 MVA)
9. Increasing caoacity of 132 kv substation 1 100.00
ii
at BAH from 1X20 to 1X40 MVA
10. Increasing capacity of 132 kv substation 1 100.00
at Hathras from 1X20 to 1X40 MVA
11. Increasing capacity of 132 kv substation 1 100.00
at Shamshabad from 1X20 to 1X40 MVA
Sub-Total 1000.00
GRAND TOTAL 3909.76

35
 ABSTRACT - "B1
Districts Construction at 33/1 1 Kv S,S. Capacity Cost
AGRA DHANAOTA 1X3 -
PAPRI NAGAR 1X3 -
RUNAKTA 1X5 -
SAIAN 1X3 ••
MAJAHRA 1X3 .
AKOU\l 1X3 -
- 481.25
HATHRAS HATHRAS TOWN 2X5 -
HATHRAS JN. 2X5 -
Sub-Total - 278.00
ETAH JALESAR 1X3 |
Sub-Total - 76.25
FIROZABAD KHAIRGARH | 1X3 -
KARKAOLI 1X3 -
Sub-Total j - 152.50
GRAND TOTAL 988.00
ABSTRACT - "C"

SI.NO NAME OF 33/11 KVSS EXISTING PROPOSED COST

CAPACITY CAPACITY (Rs. in lacs)
. MVA
AGRA
1. FATEHBAD 2X5+3 3X5
2. BAH 2X5+3 3X5
3. JARAR . 1X3 2X3 J
4. BHADRAUL! 3+5 2X5
5. SAMSHABAD 3+5 2X5
6. KAGRAOL 3+5 2X5
7. FATEHPUR-SIKRI ROAD - 1X3 2X3
8. BICHPURI 3+5 2X5
9. SIKANDRA 2X5+3 3X5
10. DAYAL BAG 3+5 2X5
11. KIRAWALI 2X3 3+5
12. BAMRAULI KATRA 1X3 3+5
276.75
HATHRAS i
13. MURSAN ! 2X3 i 3+5 13.50
!

i MA THURA I
14 BISAWAR (MAI & 1X5&2X3 5+3 & 3+5 33.75
SAHPAU) i i i

36
 K- PLANTATION

'
Air Pollution Control through Plantation

One of the most effective, economical and useful remedies for control of
environmental pollution is tree plantation. Trees help in soil and water
conservation and are "Oxygen producing" industries to combat ever increasing air
pollution. Big foliage trees also help in reducing noise and dust pollution.

The characteristic property of the trees to retard the impact of the wind is
closely connected with their capability to achieve a filter effect, i.e. to filter out
gases and aerosol from the air. The aerosol, i.e. dust and other filthy solid and
liquid particles, which are being carried away by the wind are retained by the
leaves and branches. In addition to this a strong sedimentation takes place during
stillness of the wind. Hence, the filter impact of the trees extends both in horizontal
and vertical directions. There have been studies which indicate higher sulfur
content under trees because of the above mentioned » filtering effect. ''

The forests have also been/described as the "green lung" of the earth. The
underlying implicatiofi of this characterization is that these forests absorb more
*
carbon dioxide during the daytime in the process of photosynthesis than they emit
at night through respiration.

. In view of the above it is imperative to go in for intensive and extensive

planting of trees in order to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide and other
pollutants.

37
 From the above it is clear that the trees play a major role in controling the
environmental pollution in the following ways :-

(iii) By providing a filter effect whereby they filter out and arrest the dispersal of
harmful gases and aerosol (dust and other harmful solid and liquid
particles).

(iv) By acting as a very effective carbon'sink.

In the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) there are a number of centers which
generate the pollutants and can be termed as source. The pollutants generated by
these sources have been the major cause of damage to the great monuments
within the TTZ which can be termed as Receptors.

The most important receptor within the TTZ is undoubtedly the Taj Mahal
but there are other very important monuments within the zone which act as
receptors. Some of these are Agra Fort, Etmad-ud-Daula, Sikandra and Fetehpur-
Sikri (Fatehpur-Sikri is approx 40 km. from Taj).

It is a well established fact that the pollution level around the above
c

mentioned receptors is very high and requires immediate attention. The cause
(Sources) of this high pollution levels around the monuments, however, is not
necessarily located within the areas in close vicinity of the monuments but are
located over the entire Taj Trapezium Zone. Some of these sources are as
follows :-

1. Line Sources :

Excessive NO2 and other pollution buildup can be attributed to the heavy
vehicular traffic on various roads located within the Taj Trapezium Zone. The
pollutants generated on these roads disperse over the entire TTZ.

38
 2. Industrial Sources :

There are a number of Industrial Sources within the TT Zone which emit
gaseous pollutants such as SO2 and HC during their operations. Some of these
Industrial Sources may be listed as follows :-
V

(a) Mathura Refinary - This is the single largest air pollution source within the
existing TTZ. (Approximately 40 km. from the Taj)

(b) The Glass Factories of-Eirozabad - Several glass factories located in

Firozabad (50 km. east of the Taj) are the next major sources of pollutants
in the TTZ.

(c) The Foundries and Rubber Processing Units located in Agra.

(d) There are large chunk of alkaline and ravinous barren lands within the TTZ.
The loose soil particles from these barren lands from a major source of dust
pollution. These areas need immediate attention as.

As has been clarified above, the high pollution level can be mitigated to a
great extent by intensive and extensive plantation activities. The plantation
activities are required to be concentrated as follows :-

(I) Plantation around the sources :

*

Sources located within the TTZ are a major cause of the high pollution
levels around the monuments. There is an urgent heed to carryout intensive
plantation activities around these sources and create effective green belts so that
the pollutants generated by them are arrested and checked at the point of their
origin itself before they are dispersed and reach the receptors. This makes it
inevitable to carryout plantation activities in the whole TTZ often located far from
the receptors but in close vicinity of the sources. In fact the plantations around the
*y
sources may prove to be the most effective for the protection of the monuments as
they would not allow the pollutants to spread over and reach the sources.

39
 (II) Plantation between the sources and receptors :

The plantations around the sources will check the spread of pollutants to a
great extent, but the winds will definitely carry it beyond these areas
Consequently, there is a need to create more green belts between the sources
•WE t

and the receptors. These green belts apart from working as filters and sinks would
act as physical barriers in checking the pollutants from reaching the receptors.

(Ill) Plantation around the receptors :

The need for plantation and creation of green belts around the receptors
(monuments) is well established and needs no further elaboration.

In light of the above it may be concluded that in order to protect the Taj
Mahal and other monuments of Agra, plantation is an activity which cannot be
restricted only to an area of 4 to 6 kms. radius around the monuments if it has to
effective. Therefore, plantation activities must be earned out in the whole of the
TTZ.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

«
A project costing about Rs.9.43 Cr. for plantation in Agra. Mathura.
Firozabad. Hathras and Etah districts in 2378 hect. land has been approved by the
EFC.
PRESENT STATUS

Rs.8.37 Cr. has been released out of which Rs.5.83 Cr. hac been spent and
the work is in progress.
V

1015 hect. area has been planted during the 2000-2001. Break up of the
plantation is as follows :-

Around monuments • : 19

City Roads : 30

.Industrial area : 60

Ravines ' : 275

Usararea : 109

Normal Block Plantations : .249

y Other Roads : 283

Total : 1015 hect.

 In these areas species planted are indigenous, broad canopied, deciduous
to evergreen in nature, self rejuvenating and suitable to the climatic range i.e.
tolerant to temperature, local rains, soil factors etc.. Shrubs and other species
having pollution reducing characters in ambient air and which are multistoried in
V.

nature have also been planted.

1343 ha. area has to be planted during financial year 2001-2002 (2001
rains). Break up of this plantation is as follows :-

Categories Targets for the year Achievement

(2001-2002)

Around monuments : 19 19

City Roads : 20 30

Industrial area : 130 130

Ravines : 275 275

«*

95 95
Usar area : t

499 479
Normal Block Plantations :
*

315 315
Other Roads

1363 1343
Total : *»
_t ^ ^ ^ n - u.»»»«»*»»T ••«

r
The remaining 20 ha. area will be planted in winter season (during 2001

2002).
 L- AGRA SEWERAGE

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

• The city of Agra is spread over 8,400 hect. and has a population of
9,48,065 as per 1991 census, which is projected to, become 24 lacks by 2031.
s
Presently only 1400 hectare has sewerage, comprising of 20 km. of main
trunk sewer and 100 km. of branch sewer. Most of the branch sewers are choked
and are badly in need of repairs.

For the sewerage disposal-system, the city has been divided into 7 zones.

(1) City Drainage District

(2) Western Drainage District
(3) South Drainage District
(4) Southern District
(5) Tajganj District
(6) Northern District
(7) Trans Yamuna District •>

The first six districts are in CIS Yamuna and the seventh one is in Trans
.Yamuna. Sewer lines exist only in some portions^ of the city drainage district and
the remaining six drainage districts do not have sewer lines.

NEERI has been requested to prepare a master plan for the

implementation of a sewage disposal system in the city, which is in a Draft stage.
*
To improve the hygiene and sanitary condition around the Taj Mahal, a
proposal to construct a system of sewer lines in the Tajganj area and to renovate
and strengthen the existing system in the city drainage district, a project costing
Rs.43.57 crores has been prepared.

The EFC of the U.P. Government and the MMB has approved the proposal
and Rs.13.00 crores have been released by the Govt. Works is under progress
and Rs.12.58 crores have been spent. 43 km. of sewer lines has been laid against
a target of 112 km. Construction of all 4 sewage^ pumping station has been started.
Rehabilitation and cleaning of old sewers in a length of 3.5 km. has been
completed.

' 4 3

J
 M- IMPROVEMENT OF 20 CITY ROADS

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A proposal for the strengthening and improvement of 20 city roads had

been submitted to the State Government. The State EFC has approved the
proposal of 20 roads. The status can be summarized in a tabular form as below :

Rs. in lacs
DESCRIPTION OF ROAD PROPOSED COST CLEARED
SI. COST BY EFC
No.
4
M. G. Road 629 340.81 1
Hariparwat crossing to Guru Ka Tal 423 298.90
2.
3 Yamuna Kinara Road 282.3 212.74
Bijli Ghar to Purani Mandi via Agra Fort 182.27 128.29
4.
Kheria Airport to Purnai Mandi Crossing via 406.00 293.33
5.
Mall Road and Circuit House
Mall Road Shastri crossing to *J.P. Hotel via Taj 369.00 255.40
6.
View Hotel —
7 Fatehpur-Sikri Town to Fatehpur-Sikri Dargah ' 180.00 128.22
Bodla to Raja Mandi Railway Station via 131.00 102.94
8.
Lohamandi .
From NH-2 via Pailiwal Park to Ghatia (Moti Lai 75.00 61.64
9.
Nehru Marq)
From Pailiwal Park to Gadhapara via Moti Lai 21.00 17.32
10.
Nehru Marq
_ —
"From Soor Sadan to NH-2 via Khandan 56.00 37.17
| 11.
i /^roccinn
Ariun Naara to Namner via Idgah Bus Stand 101.00 79.24
II 12
IZ -
Rambagh crossing to Yamuna Bridge 118.00 66.39
I( IJ
13-
2974.00 2025.61
I 904.00 EFC declared
14. From Arjun Nagar Gate to Fatehpur-Sikri Road
proposal as
I •* incomplete
t
| 199.69
15 | Collectarte to Sikandra _ 293.00
"From Pratappura crossing to Shastri crossing 112.00 78.44
16.
\/io Pl^rk Shirai
I Saket crossing to Shahganj via C.O.D. Colony 33.00 21.43
TT
Manas Nagar to Shahganj 12.00 9.83
76.00 58.77
Ram Nagar Puliya to Albatiya
Hasenpura to Saket Colony crossing 19.00 1502
Khandauli Agra Tatpur Road (Stretchy Bridge) 450 338.13
21
to Terhi Bagia

44
 Thus, out of the proposal for 21 roads, the State EFC has cleared 20 of
them for a cost totaling Rs. 27.10 crores. Central EFC clearance also has been
accorded. The State Govt. has released Rs. 12.66 crores to initiate the project on
M.G.Road (S.No.1), Yamuna Kinara Road (S.No.2) and Paliwal Park to
Gadhapara Road (S.No.10). Rs.3.24 crores has been spent.
v

N- AGRA BARRAGE

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Agra Barrage is proposed- to be constructed 9.6 km. upstream of the

Taj on the river Yamuna, Near Poyia Ghat, so that water may be stored during the
rnon-soons and used for the supply of drinking water in the lean months of January
to July. To avoid the flow of city drains into the reservoir the barrage is being
located upstream of the city.
At 1997 prices the project was costad at Rs. 134.00 crores. However at
1999 prices, the cost would be Rs. 150.00 cores. The developments that have
taken place as regards this project are as follows :—
All the necessary clearances such as that of the CWC, State EFC, Central
EFC and the MOEF, GO! have been obtained. Land acquisition of 96 hect. in the
rev villages of Khaspur, Ghatwason, Naraich and Poia are in progress. Soil testing
is also being done. Funds have been transferred to the Ex-En, Workshop. Bareily
for the fabrication of Gates.
The cost of the project shall be borne by the Nagar Vikas and the works
executed by the Irrigation Department on a deposit basis. The cost components of
the project is as below:—

. LAND ACQUISITION - Rs.15Cr.

. GATE-FABRICATION & MECH.' - Rs.25 Cr.

EQUIPMENTS such as GANTRY
and other operating system.

• CIVIL WORKS such as Barrage - Rs.HOCr.

and Guide Bundhs and other protection
works.
Total - Rs.150Cr.

45
 The funds shall be utilized as per the phased schedule given below :—

Year Money to Spend

(in Crores)

2000-2001 10.00
v

2001-2002 36.00
2002-2003 54.00
2003-2004 35.00 /
2004-2005 15.00/

TOTAL 150:i)0

/'

Rs. 10.00 crores have been released in the year 2000-2001 & same has
been spent by the department/ For the year 2001-02. allotment of Rs.500 lacs
have been received against Which C.C.L of Rs.325 lacs have been received. It
has been utilized.

IMPROVEMENT OF PARKING AT THE WESTERN GATE OF TAJ

PROJECT DESCRIPTION \
U7
In compliance of the orders of the Hon'ble Supreme Court on 07/12/1998 to
enforce a non-motoring zone of 500 metre around the Taj, the Western gate
parking was proposed to be shifted to Amrood-Ka-Teefa.

For the construction of the parking space, an ampunt of Rs. 0.94 crores
was sanctioned. The construction cost under this project was Rs. 0.88 crores.

."cThis work of parking is completed except at places where trees are to be

uprooted. Hon'ble Supreme Court has been requested to grant permission Once
permission is granted, work near entrance and exit gates will be completed
/>,
The parking is constructed on an area of 15.000 sqmt. and car-. cater to
parking of 38 No. Buses. 141 No. Cars. 180 No. Scooters and 612 No Cycles

46
> ,
P- MONITORING STATIONS

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

As per the orders of the Hon'ble Supreme Court, 4 Ambient Air Quality
Monitoring Station have to be established to continuously monitor the Air Quality in
and Ground the Industrial Area of Nunhai.

The Hardware cost of these four stations is about Rs. 71.00'lacs. These
stations shall be manned by the staff of the Central Pollution Control Board
(CPCB).

The money has been released and made avaNable to the Central Pollution
Control Board (CPCB).

Four AAQMS shall be established at the locations specified below :

SI. Location Station to be established at

No.
1- Taj Mahal North-West Bourge at Taj Mahal

2- Edmad-ud-daula Roof-top of internal gate of Edmad-ud-daula

3- Nunhai Roof-top of ESI dispensary, Nunhai

4- Rambagh Roof-top of Telephone Exchange building at Foundry

Nagar, Agra

A Central Laboratory-cum-office is also to be established.

47
 TTZ PROJECTS AT A GLANCE

Rs. in Crores
DEPARTMENT SL. PROJECTS APPROVED MMB COST AMT. RELD. DURING FIN.YR. TOTAL
No. GOI [EFC] RELEASED
1998- 1999- 2000- 2001- AMOUNT
\ 1999 2000 2001 2002
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
JAL NIG AM 1 Water Supply Agra 72.80 16.50 0 15.00 15.00 46.50
(i) Water Supply Mathura-Vrindava 42.00 17.32 0 16.00 5.00 33.32
2
(Phase I & II)
(ii) Water Supply Mathura-Vrindava 19.69 0 0 0 6.00
•v 6.00
(Phase-Ill) [MMBJ
*A TOTAL (i & ii 58.75 17.32 0 16.00 11.00 44.32
3 Agra Sewerage 43.57 4.00 0 3.00 6.00 13.00
4 Storm Water Drainage System Agra
(i) Jal Nigam 5.65 2.00 0 3.65 0 5.65
(ii) Nagar Nigam 0.95 0 0.95 0 0 0.95
i TOTAL (i & ii 6.60 2.00 0.95 3.65 0 6.60
i
SUB-TOTAL 181.72 39.82 0.95 37.65 32.00 110.42
. NAGAR NIGAM 5 Solid Waste Management 7.49 6.42 0.00 1.07 0 7.49
IRRIGATION 6 Gokul Barrage 30.70 12.50 10.42 0.00 7.78 30.70
7 Agra Barrage 120.47 0 1.00 10.00 5.00 15.00

SUB-TOTAL- 143.39 12.50 11.42 10.00 5.00 45.70

P.W.D. B Construction of One Part of Agra
1.00 5.65 10.65
26.51 4.00 0.00
Southern Bypass (MMB)
9 Improvement of 20 Agra City Roads 27.47 0 0 2.30 10.27 12.57

SUB-TOTAL- 75.26 4.00 0.00 3.30 15.92 23.22

A.D.A. 10 Widening of Agra Byepass 0.76 0 0.76 0 0 0.76

i mprovement of Master Plan Roads 3.10 4.00 7.50 4.00 18.60
22.97
11
of Agra City
t
mprovement of Parking on Western 0.94 0 0 0.94 0 0.94
i 12
Gate of T.J&
SUB-TOTAL- 24.67 3.10 4.76 8.44 4.00 20.30
mprovement of Electric Supply in 9.11
U P.P.C.L 13 9.11 0 4.55 1.00 3.56
Agra
' mprovement of Electric Supply in the 39.09 0 19.55 3.56 6.00 29.11
1"4
rural areas of Agra & Fatehpur-Sikri
; SUB-TOTAL- 48.20 0 24.10 4.56 9.56 38.22

FOREST 15 ( i) Plantation 9.43 0 1.15 3.00 4.22 8.37

( ii) Maintenance of Plantation (MMB] 2.38 0 0 1.03 0 1.03

SUB-TOTAL- 11.81 0 1.15 4.03 4.22 9.40

C.PC.8. 16 I5et up of 4 Monitoring Station [MMB] 0.71 0 0 0 0.71 0.71

GRAND-TOTAL— 482.69 65.84 42.38 75.41 79.19

48
 CHAPTER - IV
THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE

1- TAKING STOCK

• The projects of the Taj Protection Mission are in progress from 1998-S9.
Presently, at the time of writing of this project paper 16 projects worth Rs.483 Cr.
have been sanctioned by the Mission Management Board (MMB) and are in
various stages of progress. These- projects are in 6 sectors and are being
implemented by 8 departments. Rs. 255.46 Cr. have been released and as on
October, 2001 the expenditure stood at Rs. 191.90 Cr.

It is relevant to attempt to examine the extent to which the mission has

been successful in trying to achieve its stated objectives. As mentioned earlier, the
projects form a part of a much wider effort to improve the environment around the
Taj Mahal..

To be objective, it might be worthwhile to examine the annual trends in the

level of the primary pollutants.

The time series data of the annual average of the levels SO:. NO* and SPM
have been obtained from the office of the Regional Officer, Uttar Pradesh Pollution
Control Board (UPPCB) and reproduced graphically as follow :-

SPM

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 19S9 2000

F1G.-2

49
 OOOZ 6661 8661 Z661 9661 9661 C661 Z661 1661

0002 6661 8661 Z661 9661 S661 ^661 e66l 3661 1661

OS
 Levels of S02 have reduced from a level of 21 ug/m3 in 1991 to 11 ug/m3 in
2000. Similarly, levels of NOxhave reduced from a level of 12 ug/m3 in 1995 to 10
3 . .'
ug/m in 2000. The levels of SPM remains to be a cause of concern as in recent
years it has remained well above 400 ug/m3 as against a limit of 70 ug/m3 . As
mentioned earlier due to certain geographical and natural reasons, such as
proximity of the Thar desert, agricultural activity and the Yamuna river, the back
ground levels of SPM would continue to be much higher than 70 ug/m3. The best
mitigation measures as far as the SPM levels are concerned seems to.be
intensive plantation in the TTZ. Reassessment of the SPM for the sensitive zone in
the TTZ may also be considered. Nevertheless, if the trend of NOX and SO2 is
seen in the backdrop of increase in the number of vehicles, population and general
economic activity, it can be stated beyond a doubt, that the efforts have shown
result.

However, the efforts have to continue and come to a logical conclusion. The
question now arises is about the direction of the future efforts.
THE FUTURE

Presently, 16 projects worth Rs.482.69 Cr. is being implemented by 8

departments. A decision in principle has been taken by the Mission Management
Board (MMB) to get a midterm review of the projects by an external consultant, so
as to get an idea of the achievements and to generate recommendations for the
future. It is worthwhile to specify the focus of the projects. All projects which are to
form a part of the Taj Protection Mission must have a direct linkage or relevance
to :-
(i) improvement of the air quality and the environment around the Taj in
particular and in Agra in general.
(ii) improvement of the physical conditions of life in the city.

(iii) promotion of tourism.

The projects can be classified into two categories, external and internal.
By the term "internal project", it is implied that the physical location of the
project activity and the created infrastructure is within a radius of 4 to 6 km. of the
Taj Mahal.

51

A
 For example, projects such as the Taj Ganj Sewerage, City Road
improvement, Agra Water Supply would be classified as an internal project.

An external project would denote project activities, which are well beyond
the 6 km. zone, but have substantial and significant impact in terms of the
objectives of the Mission. Projects such as the Gokul Barrage, though located in
Mathura would increase water supply to Agra and hence is an external project.
Similarly, the Southern Bypass is being constructed beyond the 6 kms. limit, but
would ease traffic congestion in Agra.

Projects in both the categories need to be selected as environmental space

zones are not water tight compartments. But the linkage should be clear and
significant.

On the basis of the collective experience at the field level some broad
suggestions pertaining to various sectors emerge. These are being listed as
follows :-
A. POWER SECTOR

The Hon'ble Supreme Court had directed that investments be made in the
power sector so as to ensure the availability of uninterrupted power supply in the
Agra city with, a view tc prevent the operation of DG sets. Normally, bridging the
<
•demand supply gap of power should be a routine process in the power sector. But
the focus of projects in the TPM is to eliminate completely the DG sets operation in
the city of Agra.
Several new 33/11 kv sub-stations have been .constructed and the
transformation capacities of several existing sub-stations have been upgraded.
The location of many of these does not have a clear linkage with the focus of the
f*

TPM. It can be argued that polluting emissions anywhere in the TTZ can have a
significant impact on the environment around the Taj. But in the report of the
Mahajan Committee* for the month of January, 2001, it was recommended that
the focus of the projects should be within a radius of 4 to 6 km. around the Taj
Mahal, which would encompass almost the entire city of Agra.

Mahajan Committee is a Committee appointed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court. It

comprises of two scientists of the CPC8 and is headed by Shri Krishan Mahajan, Sr.
Advocate of the Hon'ble Supreme Court.
52
 Thus, this would.suggest that in the future we undertake projects in the
power sector with a view to eliminate the dependence on the DG sets. Two
specific projects that can be suggested are as follows :-
(I) To upgrade and strengthen the distribution network of the city, with a
priority being given to Taj Ganj area which is in the immediate vicinity of the
Taj Mahal.
(II). At the 132 KV level, the net transformation capacity available is about 280
MVA, which is just equal to the peak load demand of 280 MVA. This needs
to be increased.

(Ill) Keeping in view that by 2010 the peak load.demand is projected to be 560
MVA. It would be desirable to plan for installing the transformation
capacities immediately otherwise the present achievements in the power
sector will be short-lived.

B. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

The solid waste management is another sector, which is very critical insofar
as the improvement of the sanitary and hygiene conditions of the city is
concerned. Further intervention in this sector would be required in the
following three directions :-

(I) Infrastructural improvement

(II) Capacity enhancement

' (III) "Public awareness and participation

To elaborate the three issue :-

(I) INFRASTRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENT

• The storage capacity available with municipal corporation is

inadequate. Presently, the daily volumetric generation of solid waste
is about 2700 M3. Providing for a buffer of 10% the storage capacity
available should be about 3000 M3. As against this the Nagar Nigam
has a storage capacity of on 2300 M3. This requires additional
procurement of Bins of appropriate capacities.
53
 The landfill site at Shahadra is not scientifically designed and
mounds of waste are visible near the NH-2. Due to the absence of a
impervious coating there is leaching action which would pollute the
ground water sources. Surface run off would pollute water bodies. In
addition to the above, practice of covering the waste with inert
"material after dumping is not followed resulting in the area being
infested with rodents, vermins and pests, not to mention the foul
smell.

There is an urgent need to construct a scientifically designed landfill site

with an integrated facility for the composting of biodegradable waste to facilitate
energy and resource recovery. There is also a need to establish specialised
facilities for the handling of biomedical waste as presently this is mixed with the
normal solid waste.

(II) CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT

Low productivity of the workforce of the municipal corporation demands

training as well as better management. Presently the process of primary waste
collection and' street sweeping requires improvement. There is no system of waste
segregation at the primary levels, which should be introduced ungently. Private
sector participation through NGO in the solid waste management system should
also be considered to improve productivities.

(III) PUBLIC AWARENESS

The levels of public apathy frustrates all attempts to keep the city clean.
The "NIMBY" syndrome afflicts the average citizen who is only concerned about
cleanliness of his private space without bothering about his vicinity. This can be
broken only by sustained publicity cum education.

NIMBY — Not in my backyard.

54
C. DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE
Presently, under the Taj Protection Mission only 4 new drains are being
constructed by the Jal Nigam and 4 existing drains are being strengthened by the
Nagar Nigam. Even after the completion of these projects substantial areas in the
City would remain without drainage cover. Different agencies such as the Agra
Development Authority and the Nagar Nigam undertake drainage projects from
time to time but these do not have a integrated perspective. A Master Plan for
Drainage should be prepared so that the various agencies can then undertake the
construction of new drains along, planned lines. The Mission Management Board
(MMB) has sanctioned the preparation of such a Master Plan. To cover the entire
city with a scientifically designed drainage wo.uld require an investment of about
Rs.200 Cr., as per preliminary projections of the Jal Nigam.
Similarly, the sewerage cover of the city is presently only 20%. Out of 7
drainage districts, only one i.e. the city drainage district has a sewerage network.
Under the Taj Protection Mission, the Taj Ganj drainage district is also being
covered with a sewerage system. But to provide a sewerage cover for the entire
area of the city projected to be inhabited by 2016 would require an additional
investment of about R's.200 crores. These projects also need to be considered
under the Taj Protection Mission.
D. ROADS
Investments in the sector are very critical in relieving the traffic congestion
and vehicular.pollution.
The Southern Bypass which being built between NH-2 and NH-3 should be
extended so the road finally terminate on NH-2 instead of NH-3 as is presently
being done. This would require an additional investment of Rs. 60.00 crores.
Wit'hin the city, fly-overs should be made at congested intersections such
Hari Parwat and Collectorate Crossing so as to reduce idling of vehicles.
E. TAJ BARRAGE
The Taj Barrage is an important project, which must be taken up on account
of the Agra Barrage. The Barrage is being built 9.6 km. upstream of the Taj. Due
to the impounding of the water of the river Yamuna, the water front behind the Taj
would be reduced. Even now, in the lean summer season there is no water front
behind the monument. The Taj Barrage would cost about Rs. 80 crores and
preliminary studies have indicated that it should be located 2 km. downstream of
the Taj creating a pond level of not more that 146 metres.

55
 A list of suggested projects alongwith cost projections is as follows :-

SL. PROJECTS COST

No. (inCr.)
V

1- Improvement of Electricity Distribution System of Taj Ganj 1.CO

2- Improvement of Electricity Distribution System of Agra City 22.00

3- Southern Bypass Phase - II 60.00

4- City Sewerage ' 200.00

5- City Drainage 200.00

6- Taj Barrage 80.00.

7- Solid Waste Management

(i) Landfill Site 2.00

(ii) Equipments 5.00

•• Total - 570.00
**

The above list is indicative and suggestive. It is obvious that the project
costs involved would result in sanctions well beyond the planned allocation of
Rs.600.00 crores. This would imply either a revision of plan outlay or targeting
otrler sources of investments such as the ADB. The State Government is
n
negotiating a package with the ADB to help finance projects in the TTZ. It would
be appropriate to maintain the focus of the Taj Protection Mission in the ADB
package.

56
 ANNEXURE-A
AGRA CITY

Situation

Latitude 27° 10' N

Longitude 78° 02' E

Location

Lies at the junction of -

NH-2 (Delhi - Calcutta) G.T.Road

NH-3 (Agra - Jhansi)
NH-11 (Agra - Jaipur)
SH-39 (Chandausi - Agra - Tantpur - Kot) C.A.T.K.

Climate

Maximum Temperature 47° C (Summer)

Minimum Temperature 3° C (Winter)
Average Rainfall 685 mm (In the month of July,
August, September)
Wind direction from North-West (Prevailing wind)
from South & South-East (Monsoon
wind)

Population

Year Total Population % increase

1901 1,88,000 -
1911 1,85,400 H1
1921 1,86,000 00
1931 j 2,29,764 24 |
' 1941 2,84,149 24
1951 3,71,665 32
1961 5,08,680 36 |
1971 6,34,622 25 „ |
1981 7.47,318 18 I
1991 9,48,065 27
2001 I 11.47,000 21

work force ratio 27%

tourist inflow 8,000 to 10,000/day

contd.
 (2)

Roads
(year 1999)
Total Network length of major roads - 142 km

Out of this. 80% of roads are of 2 lanes & above.

Traffic
(year 1999)
Total No. of vehicles in Agra City 2.65 lacs
Composition - Buses 9%
Auto/Tempos 4%
Car/Jeeps 4%
2 Wheelers 38%
Cycle Rickshawas 15%
Bicycles 30%

Industries
(year 1999)
<s
Total No. of Registered Industries 6,463
i No. of polluting industries 292
identified by (SCI)
No. of polluting Industries 96
identified by (PCS)

»
Composition - Foundry. Rubber. Chemical. Tannery. Casting. Diesel
Engine. Generator.
 3
ANNEXURE-B

U.P. POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD, AGRA

ANNUAL ARITHMETIC MEAN BS : 1RD

AT AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATION
TAJ MAHAL

YEAR SULPHUR OXIDES OF SUSPENDED

I DIOXIDE NITROGEN PARTICULATE
(S02) (NOX) (S.P.M.)
! . 1991 21 12 ' 420

1 1992 ; 25 16 523

1993 25 12 447

1994 . 22 10 356

1995 19 11 444

1996 17 14 477

1997 14 12 . 425

1998 12 11 506

1999 11 10 474

• 2000 • 1f 10 507

NOTE - All values are in

STANDARD :- Annual arithmetic mean for sensitive area.

(As per National Ambient Air Quality Standard Notification No. S.O.384(E), dated
11th April, 1994

1- SO2 - 15
2- NPx - 15 ug/nv
3- SPM - 70 j.ig/nrr
 ANNEXURE-C
REGIONAL LABORATORY
U.P. POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD, AGRA

MEAN VALUES OF SO2 CONCENTRATION IN AMBIENT AIR

SURROUNDING "TAJ MAHAL", AGRA

MONTH 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
JANUARY 31 28 41 20 34 31 21 17 15 11

FEBRUARY 22 36 31 29 24 23 16 14 13 13

MARCH 20 26 30 23 30 17 14 12 12 13

APRIL 17 21 19 27 18 16 13 12 10 10

MAY 13 19 20 23 16 15 12 10 10 11

JUNE 11 20 23 20 13 13 11 11 09 11

JULY 13 18 28 16 12 14 11 10 08 10

AUGUST 18 18 10 12 12 10 09 10 08 OS

SEPTEMBER 20 20 19 16 15 13 10 11 10 09

OCTOBER 21 31 17 18 19 18 13 12 11 11

NOVEMBER 27 29 19 22 22 20 16 14 12 13

DECEMBER 35 40 22 29 27 21 18" 14 13 14

All values are in jig/m3

Standard - 30.00 ug/m3
(For Sensitive Area)
 so,

•;:..•
v . /•. ••"
•

SSSSSSfSSSSSSSS/S/'fS/SSSfSSSSSSSS/SStSSSSSSSSSSSfSSSSSSSS

r MonHorlng SUIIon *l lh« T<| M*h<l In Agra. SOURCE BY • UPPCB. AGRA

 ANNEXURE-D
REGIONAL LABORATORY
U.P. POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD, AGRA

MEAN VALUES OF NOX CONCENTRATION IN AMBIENT AIR

SURROUNDING "TAJ MAHAL", AGRA
!
r
(MONTH 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
I 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
JANUARY 13 19 15 16 18 19 19 15 14 10

[FEBRUARY 12 18 13 09 17 18 15 13 11 10

(MARCH 11 10 11 07 14 15 14 12 10 10

;l APRIL 10 13 07 10 11 11 13 11 09 09

I MAY 07 14 08 10 09 12 11 09 09 10

I JUNE 06 18 08 10 07 09 . 10 10 08 10

| JULY 08 17 08 08 05 11 09 08 07 08

| AUGUST 11 15 15 05 05 08 08 09 07 08

I SEPTEMBER 12 14 12 07 08 11 09 09 09 08

I OCTOBER 13 11 12 12 11 15 12 11 10 10

I NOVEMBER 15 18 12 14 15 17 13 12 11 12
I
DECEMBER 20 12 17 19 15 20 15 13 11 12

All values are in ug/m3

Standard - 30.00 ug/m3
(For Sensitive Area)
 NO,

//v / vv // s sss
*jnt>Unl Al/ Monlioring Suilon *t Ui« T<| WUIul In Ag>«. SOURCE BY • UPfCB. AGRA
 ANNEXURE - E

REGIONAL LABORATORY
U.P. POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD, AGRA

MEAN VALUES OF SPM CONCENTRATION IN AMBIENT AIR

SURROUNDING "TAJ MAHAL", AGRA

MONTH 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
JANUARY 684 547 609 537 811 845 711 759 861 559
FEBRUARY 651 411 582 516 613 605 639 580 579 628
MARCH 446 358 407 461 462 436 353 500 486 5S1
APRIL 447 546 401 381 397 409 367 534 465 441
MAY 381 613 300 393 381 412 417 513 445 504
JUNE 355 741 441 349 378 401 . 359 517 4'i4 541
JULY 390 674 320 300 315 347 352 301 348 419
AUGUST 406 322 336 173 223 266 248 306 254 367
SEPTEMBER 449 413 433 223 271 326 252 419 397 404

OCTOBER 483 570 447 292 383 390 335 436 418 435

NOVEMBER 672 605 452 330 506 525 399 500 467 508

DECEMBER - 821 623 408' 420 593 770 654 668 534 587

..All values are in

Standard - 100.00 }.ig/m3
(For Sensitive Area)
 SPM

lI
-1 1-
11 II
i ' I '
M I
I I

I •
I '
I I
I I
/ N. J L

' i

\t

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II
.•;'.'.»•
t /
~\-f-

/ / / / /yV / ///

AjnbUnl Air Monitoring Sullon <l (h« T<| M jlnl In Agr«. SOURCE BY • UPPCB, AGRA
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CL/he (Saxette of
EXTRAORDIIMARY
MPT ii— Tsnr^ 3 — ^-a
PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (ii)

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

M> 2SS ] , *(? IS, 1999/^7TP3 23. 192 1

.No. 25«"| NEW DELHI, TUESDAY, MAY 18, I999/VAISAKHA 2S, 1921

fevft. 17 TJ. 1999

.3TT. 350 1 1986 ^1 29 )

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S. STFTTI ^ fpHT

.K. ^-20013/1/99 -

MLMSTRYOF EiNVlRONMENT AND FORLSTS

ORDER'
New Delhi, the 17th May, I'W
S.O. 350 (E).--ln exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (1) and (.1) of section 3 of the Environment ;
Protection) Act. 1986 (29 of 1986) (hereinafter referred to as the said Act), the Central Government hereby constitutes ar. j
minority to be known as the Taj Trapezium Zone Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (herein referred to as the j
Uithontyl consisting of the following persons for a period of two years with cdcct from tlic date of publication of this
unification in the Official Gazette, namely •-
i !) Commissioner. Agra Division. "* Chairman.
(1) Chairman. Uttar Pradesh State Pollution Control Board. Member.
(TO Deputy Inspector Genera! of Police. Agra Range. Member.
U; Member-Secretary, Central Pollution Control Board. Member.
f .*i A representative of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Member
-.0) A representative of the Ministry of Environment and Forests Member
"i A representative of the Archaeological Survey of India Member.

s; V:u%-(.'!i:miT.an. Agra Development Auilioruv Mcmber-Ccnvcr.:r

The ;iuthority shall, within the geographical limits of Agrn Division in tiic Taj Trapezium Zone (see Aancxure)
in the State of Utur Pradesh, have the power to— '
U) monitor progress of the implementation of various schemes for protection, of the Taj Mahal in
ind
programmes for protection and improvement of the environment in the above said area ;
(it) exercise powers under section 5 of the said act;
f i n ) i;ike ;ill necessary steps to ensure compliance of specified emission standards by motor vehicles ,ind
ensuring compliance of fuel quality standards;
i i v ) do;il with any environmental issue which may be referred to it by ilic Central Government or the State
Government of Ultar Pradesh relating 10 the above said area; !

p "A d
—^s 3(ii) ]
3 The forciviMg powers and functions of ihc Authority shall be subject lo the overall supervision and control of
the Ccu...:i Government.
4 The Aut.'ioriiy shall be authorised to exercise the powers under section 19 of the said Act.
5 The geographical limits of ihc Taj Trapc/ium Zone (sec Anncxurcj have been defined in the shape of a trapczoid
between 26" 45' N & IT 15' E lo 27° 45' N & 77° 15' C in the West of the Taj Mahal and in the East of Taj
Mahal between IT 00' N & 7X" W I- to 27" .10' N A 78" .10' F..

6 The -Authority may co-opt experts for facilitating the work assigned to it
7 The Authority shall furnish a report about its activities at least once in two months to the Central Govcnuncnt
in the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
8 The Authority shall have its headquarters al Agra in the State of Uuar Pradesh.

(File No. Z-2001S/1/99-CPA1

VIJAl SHARMA. Jt. Secy.