Taj Mahal (TOI file photo)

NEW DELHI: Under fire for not being proactive in protecting the Taj Mahal 's pristine beauty, the UP government on Tuesday filed a vision document in the Supreme Court that includes measures to reduce pollution in Agra and neighbouring districts and declare the precincts of the monument a 'no plastic zone'.

The affidavit also says that like other monuments, Taj could also be brought under the Centre's ' Adopt a Heritage Scheme ' under which public and private companies can be tasked with maintenance, such as cleanliness and amenities like toilets and drinking water.

The 250-page document, filed by UP's additional advocate general Aishwarya Bhati, enlists measures to be taken by the state government to protect the environment and reduce pollution levels in and around the Taj Mahal.

These steps were also prescribed for Agra city and Taj Trapezium Zone , a 10,400 sq km area which has over 40 protected monuments, including three world heritage sites - Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri .

"Heritage precincts identified should be brought under 'Adopt a Heritage Scheme' to improve basic civic amenities for residents. This is especially needed in craft clusters like Gokulpura (pachikari or marble inlay work), Nai ki Mandir (zardozi), Tedi Bagiya (carpet weaving)," the vision document said.

The government said efforts are being made to assess and take feedback from all departments responsible for executing recommendations made by the Delhi School of Planning and Architecture, which prepared the vision document

The execution of the plan will need massive financial allocations besides aligning policy and procedures of departments functioning in the TTZ.

