India's Supreme Court has lifted a two-year-old blanket ban that prevented the establishment of new industries in the Taj zone, the area surrounding the iconic Taj Mahal. The decision reverses a previous order that had imposed a complete prohibition on industrial development in the region to curb pollution and protect the famed monument. While the court did not specify the reasons for lifting the ban in its latest ruling, environmentalists have expressed concern that industrial activities could increase air pollution, potentially damaging the white marble of the Taj Mahal, which has already been affected by airborne pollutants. The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts millions of tourists annually and is a symbol of India's cultural heritage. The ban was originally instituted to address environmental degradation in the area, including discoloration of the monument's facade. The Supreme Court's decision is expected to allow new industrial projects to move forward, subject to existing environmental regulations. Authorities will now need to balance economic development with conservation efforts to ensure the protection of the Taj Mahal and its surroundings. The ruling applies to the Taj Trapezium Zone, a defined area around the monument where strict pollution controls have been in place. Further details about the court's rationale or specific conditions for setting up industries are yet to be released.