Archive · 22 May 2025
Agra's Petha Makers Face Relocation Amid Pollution Concerns
Imagine Agra is famous for a sweet called petha, like a candy shaped like the Taj Mahal!
Factories making this sweet, located near the Taj, are being told to move.
The government says the factories create too much pollution, which could damage the Taj Mahal.
Some sweet makers are worried because they don't have money to move and set up in a new place.
They say they are not polluting as much anymore.
Some people feel sad, saying the government should have helped the sweet makers with new equipment to reduce pollution instead of forcing them to move.
Petha manufacturers in Agra's Noori Gate area are ordered to relocate.
The move is due to pollution concerns around the Taj Mahal.
The Supreme Court issued the order based on cases related to the Taj Trapezium Zone.
Petha factories generate solid waste, including peels and syrup.
Some manufacturers dispute pollution claims and are concerned about relocation costs.
- Who
- Petha manufacturers in Agra are affected.
- What
- Petha units are ordered to relocate from Agra due to pollution concerns.
- When
- The Supreme Court ordered the evacuation on April 3.
- Where
- Agra, specifically the Noori Gate area.
- Why
- To protect the Taj Mahal from pollution caused by the petha industry.
Government's/Environmentalists' Perspective
Petha Makers' Perspective
Pollution
Government's/Environmentalists' Perspective
The industry generates pollution that is harmful to the Taj Mahal and its surrounding environment.
Petha Makers' Perspective
Petha makers deny causing significant pollution, stating their methods have improved.
Relocation Costs
Government's/Environmentalists' Perspective
The relocation is necessary to protect a historical monument.
Petha Makers' Perspective
Petha makers are worried about the financial burden of relocating.
- Location of Affected Units
- Noori Gate, Agra
- Number of Petha Units
- Over 500 units
- Number of Workers
- Over 5,000
- Daily Petha Production
- Approx. 1,000 quintals daily
- Solid Waste Generated (CSE study)
- 17,800 kg per day
- Supreme Court Order Date
- April 3
- Campaign started to educate makers
- 2018