Rs 500 crore industry, 5,000 jobs, and one looming SC order: How Agra's famous petha may lose its 'sweetness'

Agras centuries-old petha trade faces a turning point after the Supreme Court ordered the relocation of all units within the Taj Trapezium Zone to protect the Taj Mahal from pollution. Thousands of families tied to the sweets legacy fear losing their livelihood. While many units already use cleaner fuels, relocation plans have faltered due to poor infrastructure and resistance from manufacturers. With a verdict due this month, the future of Agras signature sweet hangs in the balance.