Industrialists of Taj Trapezium Zone protest against environmental policies

Industrialists of the Taj Trapezium Zone took to the streets Wednesday evening to protest against environmental policies which have hampered industrial development and limited job opportunities.

Over a dozen organizations, representing hundreds of shoe industries, hotels, medical facilities centers, real estate developers, diesel engine manufacturers, and engineering components manufacturers, organized the massive protest march from Soor Sadan to Shahid Smarak.

Rajiv Tiwari, president of the National Chamber of Industries and Commerce, told PTI, "Due to a moratorium on expansion and opening of new units in the TTZ, an uncertain future awaits industries which have been categorized under Red, Orange and White categories depending on pollution emissions. These classifications are wholly arbitrary and irrational and deserve a thorough review."

The marchers carried placards and posters as they walked down the MG Road.

Hundreds of workers from shoe industries joined the protest. The tourism and travel trade also joined the march.

"Ad hoc moratorium on hotels and hospitals, and a ban on expansion plans have hit the industry hard. A number of big hotel projects have been left in a lurch," a member of the Agra Hotels and Restaurants Association said.

Addressing the big turnout at Shahid Smarak, speakers blamed the local politicians for not voicing the collective fears and concerns of those affected by government orders.

"Agra has suffered a lot in past 25 years. The industrial development has come to a halt," said leading shoe exporter Nazir Ahmed.

The Supreme Court is seized of the issue and has taken a stern view of the rising graph of pollution in the TTZ. The apex court is considering a proposal for declaring Agra a heritage city. The matter will be taken up on September 25.