The Supreme Court on Friday stayed its earlier order directing the demolition of a parking lot being constructed near the Taj Mahal in Agra, PTI reported. The Supreme Court asked the authorities to maintain status quo at the site, which is located a kilometre away from the entrance gate to the monument.
The bench gave two weeks’ time to the Uttar Pradesh government to file a report detailing a comprehensive plan for the protection and preservation of the monument. The court ordered that no further construction should take place at the site.
Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state, said the Uttar Pradesh government was committed to protecting the Taj Mahal “at all costs”, The Times of India reported. He also assured the court that construction of the parking lot will not damage the monument. The bench posted the matter for further hearing on November 15.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court had ordered the demolition of the multi-level parking outside Taj Mahal while hearing a petition filed by environmentalist MC Mehta. Mehta had said the construction would lead to pollution and deforestation in and around the area, PTI reported. He had also alleged that the Uttar Pradesh government had not sought permission from the Archaeological Survey of India and the Supreme Court before beginning construction of the parking lot.
The Uttar Pradesh government had appealed in the Supreme Court seeking modification or recalling the earlier order, ANI reported.
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