Clean Technology Initiative | India
India’s Taj Mahal is a huge, marble mausoleum complex built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shejahan in memory of his wife Mumtaj Begum. Located in Agra, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, the structure is widely considered one of the most magnificent buildings in the world.
To protect the Taj Mahal, as well as other nearby historic monuments, the Indian government created a 10,400-square-kilometer area, called the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), to reduce industrial and urban air pollution. To further improve environmental conditions in the TTZ, the U.S. Agency for International Development selected Louis Berger to manage the Clean Technology Initiative. The project included reducing emissions from the glass/bangle, foundry and diesel manufacturing industries operating in the zone.
Louis Berger designed and developed low- and no-cost solutions for environmental improvements in the TTZ by:
- Introducing new gas-based, environmentally friendly technology for the foundry industry.
- Obtaining more efficient furnaces for the glass industry.
- Using cost-effective and readily available indigenous technologies.
- Increasing production and process efficiency.
- Implementing best practices.
- Encouraging small foundries to share a cooperative facility.
- Reducing the use of diesel power.
The team also conducted training programs, in English and Hindi, for urban planners, government officials, business owners and non-governmental organizations. The programs focused on sound practices for disposal of solid waste and wastewater, more diligent inspection and maintenance of vehicles, and promotion of clean fuels.