BUT NO ONE CAN STOP IT...

1977 Data insufficient and unreliable, say the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), ASI and Bombay Natural History Society. Reports of their objections never put in public domain

1977 No great danger from Mathura refinery, says Varadarajan committee: it will cause only 1- 2 microgram rise of S02 per cubic metre of ambient air near the Taj

1978 Even 1% risk is far too high for the Taj Mahal, says Dr G. Tortaca, assistant director, International Centre for the Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, Rome, who examines the report

1979 Joint Parliamentary Committee headed by Karan Singh opposes refinery: problematic data, impact of other pollutants from refinery (oxides of carbon, nitrogen, dust and particulates) not studied; ‘experts’ not true experts in the field, units should be shifted

1980 GoI sets up a high-powered panel and expert group for in-depth study of SO2 emission from various activities, including automobiles in Agra city

1982 Mathura refinery starts commercial production