“No Tree Felling Within 5 Km Of Taj Mahal Without Our Nod”: Supreme Court

Taj Mahal

The Supreme Court on Thursday reiterated its 2015 directive restricting tree felling within a 5-kilometre aerial radius of the Taj Mahal in Agra, stating that no trees may be cut in the area without its express approval.

Strict Protection For Taj Mahal Vicinity

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan clarified that its earlier order dated May 8, 2015, would continue to be in force for areas located within the 5 km buffer zone around the iconic monument.

According to the order, “Applications will have to be made seeking permission to fell trees, even if the number of trees is less than 50.” These applications will be examined with recommendations from the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) before the court considers granting permission.

Expanded Oversight In The TTZ

The Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) spans around 10,400 sq km and includes parts of Agra, Firozabad, Mathura, Hathras, Etah in Uttar Pradesh and Bharatpur in Rajasthan. While tree felling in the broader TTZ—beyond the 5 km radius—does not require the Supreme Court’s direct approval, it must still receive prior clearance from the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in consultation with the CEC. These officials are expected to act in accordance with the Uttar Pradesh Tree Preservation Act.

Conditions For Felling Trees

The court stressed that tree felling—even when permitted—must follow stringent environmental safeguards. “Unless there is grave urgency of felling of trees, the Divisional Forest Officer has to impose a condition that actual tree felling can be done only once all other conditions including compensatory afforestation are complied with,” the bench stated.

The court underscored that exceptions will apply only in emergencies that could pose a threat to human life if trees are not removed promptly.

No Relaxation For Private Landowners

In a related development, the court dismissed a plea by an Agra-based trust that sought an exemption from the requirement to seek permission for felling trees on private land. The bench upheld the need for regulation, even on non-forest and private lands, to protect the region’s sensitive ecological balance.

Court also directed the Central Empowered Committee to submit a report on whether additional environmental restrictions are needed to safeguard other nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites—namely the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

Background

The court’s 2015 order had imposed a blanket requirement for court approval before any tree felling in the TTZ. This was partially relaxed in December 2019, when the apex court lifted the requirement for prior permission on private and non-forest lands. However, Thursday’s ruling reasserts stricter controls for the immediate surroundings of the Taj Mahal.

The move reflects the court’s continued commitment to environmental protection in and around one of India’s most treasured monuments and serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between development and conservation in ecologically sensitive zones.