New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has reaffirmed its 2015 directive prohibiting tree felling within a 5-kilometre radius of the Taj Mahal without prior court approval. This decision underscores the court's commitment to preserving the environment around the iconic monument.

In a recent ruling, the bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasised that any tree felling within this protected zone requires explicit permission from the court. The court clarified that applications for such activities must be submitted, even if fewer than 50 trees are involved.

Additionally, the court mandated that the Divisional Forest Officer, in consultation with the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), ensure compliance with the Uttar Pradesh Tree Preservation Act before granting any approvals.

The Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), encompassing approximately 10,400 square kilometres across parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, has been designated to protect the Taj Mahal from environmental degradation. The court's stringent measures aim to curb illegal deforestation and maintain the ecological balance in this sensitive area.

In a related development, the Supreme Court has directed the Forest Research Institute to conduct a comprehensive tree census within the TTZ. This initiative is part of the court's efforts to gather accurate data on existing tree cover, which is essential for enforcing conservation laws effectively.