CPCB has established four ambient air quality monitoring stations in Agra, at Tajmahal, Etmad-ud-daulah, Rambagh and Nunhai industrial Area. These stations are functional since 2002. Apart from these, two stations are established under NAMP programme and one continuous ambient air quality monitoring station is also operational in Agra (operated by UPPCB). The data of AAQM is regularly submitted to Hon’ble Supreme court. The data is also provided to TTZ authority, (formed by Ministry of Environment and Forests) for linking the developmental activities with air quality objectives in TTZ, for overall protection of Environment around Tajmahal. The AAQM data is also displayed on website of CPCB for information to public and other stake holders. CPCB project office Agra has also established the laboratory with facilities to analyses ambient air quality samples. Ion Chromatograph is installed to analyze different cations and anions in the environmental samples.

Taj Trapezium Zone
The Central Pollution Control Board delineated the Taj Trapezium Zone on the basis of the weighted mean wind speed in twelve directions from Agra to Mathura and Bharatpur. The boundaries of the zone were made keeping in mind the effect of any pollution source in this zone on the critical receptor- The Taj Mahal. This area was declared as an “Air Pollution Protection Area.” There was a ban on new units of “High Polluting Nature” & the expansion of the existing units was not to be permitted.

This zone which is in the form of a trapezoid lies between 26º45’N and 77º15’ E to 27º 45’N and 77º15’E to the west of the Taj Mahal between 27º00’N and 78º30’E to 27º30’N and 78º30’E to the east of the Taj Mahal.

The Administration Division of the Taj Trapezium Zone

The TTZ is spread over 6 Districts:

1. Agra:         State of Uttar Pradesh
2. Mathura:   State of Uttar Pradesh
3. Firozabad: State of Uttar Pradesh
4. Hatras:      State of Uttar Pradesh
5. Etah:         State of Uttar Pradesh
6. Bharatpur: State of Rajasthan

The Taj Trapezium zone also includes small parts of Aligarh and Dholpur. The region as a whole encompasses an area of 10,400 sq. kms.

The Diversity of the Taj Trapezium Zone

Each of these regions has its own importance in the contribution to the region’s economic growth. The natural and cultural setting in each administrative unit varies widely and promotes sectoral development accordingly. The region covers sensitive receptors such as the Taj Mahal in Agra, Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, Soor-Sarovar bird sanctuary in Agra , Mathura& Vrindavan  are  popular religious destination and the Industrial area of Firozabad, particularly famous for its glass industry.