This case analysis is written by Deepika Tiwari, City Academy Law College, 5^th Year LLB(Hons) student during an internship at LeDroit India.

1.    Read and Examine

This case, often referred to as the “Taj Trapezium Case,” revolves around the environmental degradation caused by industrial pollution in and around the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Environmental lawyer M.C. Mehta filed a public interest litigation (PIL) to address the air pollution affecting the monument. The Supreme Court of India addressed whether the pollution emitted from industries around the Taj Mahal was contributing to its deterioration and what measures should be taken to safeguard the monument.

Key Facts:

• Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ): An area covering 10,400 square kilometers, encompassing the Taj Mahal and surrounding regions like Agra and Firozabad.
  • Pollution Sources: The pollution was traced to nearby industries, including iron foundries, glass industries, and Mathura Oil Refinery. The emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter were causing “acid rain,” contributing to the yellowing and corrosion of the Taj Mahal’s marble.
  • Court Intervention: The court intervened to examine whether industries around the TTZ were violating environmental regulations and causing irreparable damage to the heritage site.

2.   Identify Key Issues

The primary issue was how to mitigate the industrial pollution causing environmental degradation to the Taj Mahal and its surroundings. Key sub-issues included:

• The threat posed by pollution to the structural integrity of the Taj Mahal.
  • The need to balance industrial development with environmental protection.
  • Government and regulatory failures in enforcing environmental laws.

3.    Analyze the Problems

• Pollution: The primary cause of the problem was the uncontrolled emissions from the industries within the TTZ. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides combined with moisture in the air to form acid rain, damaging the white marble of the Taj Mahal.
  • Government Inaction: The regulatory bodies failed to monitor and control emissions effectively, allowing the industries to operate without adequate pollution control measures.

• Economic Trade-off: Many industries within the TTZ provided employment to thousands of people, making a complete shutdown of industries politically and economically sensitive.

4.    Consider Solutions

Several possible solutions were considered during the case proceedings:

• Relocation of Industries: Relocating polluting industries outside the TTZ was proposed to minimize emissions affecting the Taj Mahal.
  • Switching to Cleaner Fuels: Another option was to mandate the use of cleaner fuels like natural gas instead of coal in the industries.
  • Stringent Regulatory Enforcement: Implementing and enforcing strict pollution control measures for industries within the TTZ could reduce emissions.

5.    Make Recommendations

The Supreme Court ultimately ordered several important measures to safeguard the Taj Mahal:

1. Relocation of Polluting Industries: Industries that could not meet the pollution control norms were ordered to either relocate outside the TTZ or switch to natural gas as fuel.
2. Pollution Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of pollution levels within the TTZ was recommended, with strict enforcement of environmental standards.
3. Government Action: The government was directed to set up a green belt around the Taj Mahal to further protect it from environmental degradation.

These recommendations were based on extensive evidence presented in the case, including scientific reports on pollution levels and their impact on the monument.

6.    Write the Analysis

Introduction: The Taj Trapezium Case (M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, 2001) highlights the conflict between environmental conservation and industrial growth. This case was pivotal in shaping India’s environmental jurisprudence, addressing the critical issue of how to protect the Taj Mahal from the detrimental effects of pollution.

Background: The Taj Mahal, a symbol of India’s cultural heritage, faced severe threats from environmental pollution, particularly from nearby industries. M.C. Mehta, an environmental activist, filed a PIL to urge the court to intervene in the matter, as the degradation posed a threat to the monument’s survival.

Choices: The Supreme Court was presented with several alternatives:

1. Allow industries to continue operations with minimal interference, leading to further environmental degradation.

• Shut down industries entirely, causing economic disruptions.
• Mandate cleaner fuel usage and relocate industries outside the TTZ, which balanced industrial needs with environmental protection.

Solution: The court chose the third option, ordering industries to switch to cleaner fuels like natural gas or relocate. This decision protected the Taj Mahal while mitigating the economic impact on the region.

Conclusion: The M.C. Mehta v. Union of India case set a significant precedent in Indian environmental law. It emphasized the importance of balancing industrial development with environmental conservation and demonstrated the judiciary’s role in preserving cultural and natural heritage.