In the narrow lanes near Noori Gate, the sweet aroma of boiling syrup and ash gourd, the main ingredient for petha, fills the air. Here, 55-year-old Girish Kumar Singhal skillfully prepares petha in a small workshop, accompanied by his two sons, who continue the family tradition. But Singhal and many others are worried. The Supreme Court of India has ordered all petha units operating within the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) to relocate outside this protected area.
The TTZ covers approximately 10,400 square kilometres, including famous historical sites like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri. On April 3, the Supreme Court set a three-month deadline for the Uttar Pradesh government to submit a relocation plan. The court last heard the matter on July 30 but has not yet passed a final order. The next hearing is scheduled for September 23, when the court is expected to give its decision.
Girish Singhal expressed his fear, saying, “If we are forced to move out, we won’t survive. We don’t have the money to buy new land, build factories, and restart everything.”
The Scale and Heritage of the Petha Industry
Singhal’s worries reflect the concerns of thousands in Agra. Nearly 5,000 people work in the petha industry, producing around 1,000 quintals (100,000 kilograms) of petha each day in over 25 different varieties. Around Noori Gate itself, unofficial figures estimate more than 500 petha units operate. The entire trade is worth approximately Rs 500 crore annually.
Petha has deep roots in Agra’s history. Legend says the sweet originated in the kitchens of the Mughal emperors. Shah Jahan is believed to have given petha to laborers building the Taj Mahal. It served as a source of energy during tough work. Over time, petha became a symbol of Agra and its rich heritage.
Pollution Concerns and Past Actions
The Supreme Court’s current order is part of an ongoing effort to control pollution in the TTZ. In 1996, the court banned the use of coal in industries within the zone. Later in 2013, trucks carrying coal were banned from entering Agra. Enforcement varied over the years, but in 2022, authorities sealed 11 factories that continued using coal.
Most petha producers have now switched to cleaner fuels like GAIL gas or LPG. Despite this, the threat of relocation continues to loom.
Failed Relocation Plans and Industry Challenges
The government has tried to relocate the petha industry before. In 1998, the Agra Development Authority created a “Petha Nagri” at Kalindi Vihar by setting aside 151 plots for factories. However, only 94 plots were allotted, and even fewer were developed. Industry leaders report that Kalindi Vihar lacks basic infrastructure such as clean water, waste management, and transportation. Additionally, Kalindi Vihar also lies within the TTZ, casting doubt on the benefit of this relocation.
In 2015, petha manufacturers proposed Sikandra, located 15 kilometres from the Taj Mahal, as a better alternative due to its better connectivity and access to raw materials. However, this plan never materialised.
Some businesses have quietly shifted to places like Kosi in Mathura and Sasni in Aligarh. But these locations cannot accommodate all petha producers, leaving many still uncertain about their future.
The Future of Agra’s Sweet Tradition Hangs in the Balance
For families like Singhal’s, who have been making petha for generations, the years of uncertainty are overwhelming. Their craft has endured many changes. Yet, the Supreme Court’s upcoming order may determine whether Agra’s iconic sweet remains rooted in its city of origin.
As the September 23 hearing approaches, thousands wait anxiously. They wonder if their livelihoods and Agra’s sweet legacy will survive this crucial moment.
