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The glass units of Firozabad, the city of glass and bangles in Uttar Pradesh, operating within the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) will undergo a survey for air pollution. The TTZ covers Taj Mahal besides 40 other protected monuments.

On Wednesday, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, the Central Pollution Control Board and the senior officers of the Taj Trapezium Zone were directed by the National Green Tribunal to conduct a survey for pollution where ever the units are present.

Since 1990’s these glass units have been in news for causing environmental pollution and now air samples across Firozabad will be collected for the inspection of pollution. Earlier, even the Ministry of Environment & Forests has written against the glass industry expansion in the TTZ to the Agra administration.

A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar said that, “We dispose of this petition with direction that the UPPCB, CPCB long with senior officers of the Taj Trapezium zone shall conduct survey of the entire area Firozabad where glass industries are operating and collect samples. If the same are found polluting, necessary action be taken as per law.”

Saving Precious Heritage Taj Mahal

The Taj Trapezium Zone or TTZ is 10,400 sq km area around Taj Mahal. The zone covers parts of UP and Rajasthan. Among 40 protected monuments included in TTZ are Fathepur Sikri and Agra fort.

Pollution from Glass industries

In 1996, in a verdict related to TTZ, SC has indentified that coal burning industries along with glass industries in Firozabad contribute to air pollution. Thus, ordered for the supply of natural gas to these industries as an alternative fuel.

Mean while, in 2011, a bulletin of pharmacology and life sciences has indentified that effect of pollution in parrots by these glass industries in Firozabad. It was observed that that the lungs of the birds were damaged besides change in blood levels in 60 days.

Glass industry releases suspended particulate matter and photochemical smog. Ferrous Chloride is used by the glass units to get lustre to glass bangles. When inhaled, this chemical has potential to cause asthma and TB. It is also corrosive for buildings.

-Sumana