Agra fears economic crisis as CEC proposes tighter green curbs on industries around Taj Mahal

Agra: A looming employment and economic crisis is feared in Agra after Report No. 61 of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) on the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) proposed stringent curbs on industries within a 10-km aerial radius of the Taj Mahal.The report, expected to be heard soon by the Supreme Court, recommends allowing only industries with an Air Pollution Score below 10 under the 2016 classification of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), or below 30 under its 2025 classification, within the 10-km radius. Beyond this zone, the permissible limits are below 20 (2016) and below 60 (2025). However, the use of the term "below" suggests that even units with the same score may not qualify, creating regulatory uncertainty.The footwear industry — a key pillar of Agra's economy — is likely to be hit hardest. Under CPCB's 2016 norms, non-tanning leather footwear manufacturing had a pollution score of 10, making new units ineligible within the 10-km radius under the "below 10" condition. Although the 2025 classification assigns the activity a score of 20, which falls within the "below 30" limit, the reference to both classifications has created confusion. Industry representatives warned that thousands of MSMEs could be affected, putting lakhs of jobs at risk.Agra's centuries-old marble inlay (pietra dura) craft — closely tied to the Taj Mahal's legacy — also faces uncertainty. The craft had a pollution score of 0 in 2016 but is assigned a score of 30 in the 2025 classification. With the report proposing a "below 30" threshold, new inlay units within the 10-km radius would effectively be barred, threatening artisans and families dependent on the trade."Supreme Court has consistently emphasised that environmental protection and development must coexist under sustainable development," said a senior industry representative, requesting anonymity. "Protecting the Taj Mahal is essential, but undermining traditional crafts, MSMEs and livelihoods without clear scientific basis would be unjust," he added. Senior advocate and social activist K C Jain urged the Uttar Pradesh govt to present industry concerns before the apex court, warning that CEC's recommendations, if implemented without changes, could effectively halt industrial growth in large parts of the city.The Taj Trapezium Zone, covering 10,400 sq km around the Taj Mahal, was created to protect the 16th century monument from pollution. The area spans across Agra, Mathura, Firozabad, Hathras and Etah in Uttar Pradesh, along with Bharatpur in Rajasthan and parts of Aligarh and Dholpur.