The CPCB, Project Office-cum-Laboratory at Agra was established in November, 2001, to coordinate the ambient air quality monitoring on all days in a week at four identified locations at Agra as was entrusted by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Subsequently, the Hon’ble Court reduced the monitoring activity to 208 days in a year at three locations, while the monitoring continued for all days at Tajmahal (vide order dated 8/4/2003). Presently (as per decision adopted at the 132nd Board Meeting), monitoring is done for 104 days in a year at three trans-Yamuna stations and for all days (except one holiday in a week) at Tajmahal. The fund for this extensive monitoring jointly shared by MMB (Govt. of UP) & Ministry of Environment (Govt. of India) till 31.3.05. Since 01.04.2005 the entire activity is in operation as plan activities of CPCB and fund is being met from the grant-in-aid of CPCB.  CPCB project office-Agra has its jurisdiction over Taj Trapezium Zone in state of Uttar Pradesh.

Mandate

The association and involvement with TTZ authorities to address the local issues besides coordination efforts towards environmental protection / pollution problems around Tajmahal are also the important aspects of this office. The Board in its 132nd meeting resolved to continue the office with following objectives:

• The office shall have entire TTZ area under its jurisdiction
• The mandate of the office would be to deal with the environmental issues of Tajmahal and its surroundings
• To continue with the Ambient Air Quality monitoring activity at four locations (Tajmahal for all days except holidays and 104 days at other 3 locations)
• To look after the functioning of the infrastructure created under CIDA project and other bilateral projects including automatic air quality monitoring station and data display system (proposed in future).
• To carry out the source apportionment study of PM10 and emissions inventory in Agra and TTZ in particular
• Establishment of continuous air quality monitoring and on line data display system at Agra including data transfer to CPCB head office
• To coordinate with the State Board and District Administration towards implementation of various Rules & Regulations pertaining to environment
• ESS activities in the jurisdiction and gradual establishment of water laboratory, data base management system, training infrastructure with calibration facilities with special reference to Air Quality.