LUCKNOW, Jan. 6 -- The National Green Tribunal (NGT), New Delhi, has taken cognizance of allegations of illegal tree felling, unauthorized construction and encroachments in the ecologically sensitive zone of Agra, particularly in areas surrounding the Taj Mahal and along the Agra-Gwalior highway. The case came up for hearing before the bench of chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel on December 23. Applicant Jagan Prasad Tehriya alleged that large-scale construction activities are being carried out in violation of environmental norms in and around protected heritage and green zones. The applicant also alleged that the Agra Development Authority was constructing kiosks, paved pathways and brick-cement structures inside the 100-200-year-old Shahjahan Park, located between the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. According to the applicant, construction pits have been dug close to the roots of century-old trees, resulting in destruction of green cover and disturbance to the habitat of birds and butterflies. The applicant also relied upon the Supreme Court's May 1, 2025, order in MC Mehta vs Union of India, which mandates that any tree felling within a five-km aerial distance from the Taj Mahal requires prior permission of the Supreme Court, irrespective of the number of trees involved. The applicant further alleged Illegal construction of a concrete selfie point by the Agra Municipal Corporation on the green belt along Gwalior Road....