Environmental Violation in Taj Trapezium Zone Draws Harsh Penalty
Legal experts view this decision as a precedent-setting move, potentially influencing similar cases where urban development intersects with ecological concerns. The coming months will be crucial in determining the final legal status of the land and the implications for stakeholders involved.
2025.03.25 (Vrindavan Today News): The Supreme Court of India has imposed a hefty fine of ₹4.54 crore on the landowners of Mathura’s Dalmia Bagh for illegally cutting down 454 trees within the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) without prior approval. The court levied a penalty of ₹1 lakh per tree felled and mandated extensive compensatory afforestation in the surrounding area.
The unauthorized deforestation took place on September 18, 2023, when the trees were surreptitiously felled within the premises of Dalmia Bagh, located on the Vrindavan-Chhata Road in Mathura. The matter was brought before the Supreme Court, where a bench comprising Justices Ujjal Bhuiyan and Abhay S. Oka took a stringent stance on environmental violations within the ecologically sensitive TTZ.
9080 Trees to Be Planted as Compensation
In addition to the financial penalty, the Supreme Court has ordered the landowner to allocate land within a one-kilometer radius of Dalmia Bagh for planting 9,080 indigenous trees—twenty times the number that were cut. These trees will be native species to ensure ecological restoration, and their care and maintenance will be overseen by the Forest Department.
Furthermore, the court has instructed the landowner to deposit funds for the long-term upkeep of the newly planted trees, ensuring that the reforestation effort is not merely symbolic but results in sustainable environmental restoration.
Strict Measures for Protecting the Taj Trapezium Zone
The Supreme Court’s ruling underscores its commitment to protecting the Taj Trapezium Zone, an area of 10,400 sq. km encompassing the Taj Mahal and other heritage structures, where environmental preservation is of utmost importance. The court’s decision aligns with recommendations made by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), which had investigated the unauthorized deforestation at Dalmia Bagh and called for stringent penalties to deter future violations.
This verdict sets a strong precedent for environmental accountability in India, reinforcing the “polluter pays” principle and ensuring that ecological destruction is met with proportionate consequences. The Supreme Court’s ruling not only penalizes the defaulters but also mandates active ecological restoration, making it a significant step towards environmental justice.
The Apex Court has ruled that the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA) must refrain from approving the layout plan of the Dalmia Bagh land until the ongoing case in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) is resolved. The directive underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring legal compliance and environmental protection in the region.
During the hearing, the legal counsel representing the owners of Dalmia Bagh informed the court that the matter is already under adjudication before the NGT. Acknowledging this, the Supreme Court stated that no approval should be granted by the MVDA while the case remains pending before the tribunal. Furthermore, once the NGT delivers its verdict, any subsequent approval of the layout plan must first be presented before the Supreme Court for scrutiny.
A critical aspect of the ruling pertains to land use. The court emphasized that areas designated for afforestation must remain free from any form of construction. The responsibility of ensuring compliance with this directive has been placed squarely on the MVDA. This measure reflects the court’s recognition of the ecological significance of the land and the necessity to preserve its intended green cover.
The ruling is expected to have broader implications for urban planning and environmental governance in Mathura-Vrindavan, a region of immense cultural and religious significance. By mandating judicial oversight, the Supreme Court has reinforced the principle that developmental activities must align with environmental sustainability and legal frameworks.
