The high particulate levels  of SPM and PM₁₀ are exceeding the permissible limits around the Taj Mahal. This is mainly due to the background arid and dusty conditions prevailing in the region. However, the analysis of the data of CPCB for the last eight years from 2002 to 2009 indicates that the annual concentration of SPM, PM_10, SO₂ and NO₂ is not showing any increasing trend. This has been stated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) which is  monitoring ambient air quality at Taj Mahal in terms of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Particulate Matter of size less than 10 microns (PM₁₀), Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂). The details are provided in the Annexure.

The final report on the post evaluation of the eight selected projects under Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) undertaken by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur has been accepted by the Ministry.  As per the report, the road and electricity related projects have been found to make a substantial impact on the environmental quality in Agra whereas the solid waste and storm water drainage related projects have had a limited impact.  The State Government of U.P. has been requested to formulate and submit fresh proposals based on the Environment Management Plan (EMP) given in the report.

Air Pollution Around Taj Mahal

All values are in cubic per metre.

This information was given by the  Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Environment and Forests, Shri Jairam Ramesh  in a written reply to a question by Shri M. Anandan   in Lok  Sabha today.   

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KP