Protecting The Taj Mahal: Battling Pollution's Threat

The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is facing a multi-dimensional threat from pollution. The white marble is turning yellow, and the latest government efforts to control pollution around the site are failing. The Central Pollution Control Board has reported that levels of nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and suspended particulate matter around the Taj are four times higher than the safe limit. The polluted water seeps into the foundation, forming cavities and weakening it into a sewage tunnel. To save the Taj Mahal, measures must be taken to reduce pollution and protect the site.

The white marble is turning yellow due to pollution

The white marble of the Taj Mahal is turning yellow due to pollution. The Central Pollution Control Board has reported that levels of nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and suspended particulate matter around the Taj are four times higher than the safe limit.

To combat this, the government has banned the use of cow-dung cakes (used as fuel) and tandoors in Agra, and relocated some industrial units. However, these measures have been described as superficial, and the Indian press has reported that government efforts to control pollution around the Taj are failing.

An artificial forest belt has been built around the complex to make it pollution-free, and motor vehicles are not allowed within 1,640 feet of the complex without government approval.

The polluted water seeps into the foundation, forming cavities and weakening it into a sewage tunnel. Untreated sewage and waste pour in from the city, creating nutrient-rich waters with high phosphorus levels. These are later picked up by the wind and deposited in the Taj’s increasing porous stonework, allowing river-derived microorganisms to leave droppings on its surfaces, colouring them green.

The Central Pollution Control Board has reported unsafe levels of nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and suspended particulate matter around the Taj Mahal

The Central Pollution Control Board has repeatedly reported unsafe levels of nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and suspended particulate matter around the Taj Mahal. The pollution is causing the white marble to turn yellow and deteriorate.

To combat this, the government has banned the use of cow-dung cakes and tandoors in Agra, and relocated some industrial units. However, these measures have been deemed superficial, and the cremation ground and dhobi ghat next to the Taj have not been relocated, despite the Supreme Court's orders.

Other measures that have been suggested or implemented include an artificial forest belt built around the complex, a ban on motor vehicles within 1,640 feet of the complex without government approval, and the development of local parks like the Shah Jahan Garden to control crowds.

The groundwater depletion and high levels of pollution are also causing cavities in the foundation and weakening the structure. Untreated sewage and waste from the city are creating nutrient-rich waters with high phosphorus levels, which are picked up by the wind and deposited on the stonework, allowing river-derived microorganisms to leave droppings and cause discolouration.

The Indian government has failed to control pollution around the Taj Mahal

The Central Pollution Control Board has repeatedly reported that levels of nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and suspended particulate matter around the Taj are four times higher than the safe limit. Despite the Supreme Court’s orders, the cremation ground and dhobi ghat next to the Taj have not been relocated.

The government has banned the use of cow-dung cakes (used as fuel) and tandoors in Agra, and relocated some industrial units to reduce pollution. However, these measures have not been enough to significantly reduce pollution levels.

Motor vehicles are not allowed within 1,640 feet of the complex without government approval, but this ban has not been effectively enforced. An artificial forest belt was built around the complex to make it pollution-free, but this has not been successful in reducing pollution levels.

The Indian government needs to take more aggressive action to control pollution around the Taj Mahal and prevent further deterioration of this important cultural and historical site.

The polluted water seeps into the foundation, forming cavities and weakening it

The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is under threat from pollution. The white marble is turning yellow, and the foundation is being weakened by polluted water seeping into it and forming cavities.

The polluted water is caused by untreated sewage and waste from the city, which creates nutrient-rich waters with high phosphorus levels. These are picked up by the wind and deposited on the Taj's porous stonework, allowing river-derived microorganisms to leave droppings and discolour the surface.

Measures have been taken to try and reduce pollution at the site, including banning the use of cow-dung cakes and tandoors in Agra, and relocating some industrial units. An artificial forest belt was also built around the complex to make it pollution-free. However, these efforts have been described as superficial, and the Indian press has reported that the latest government attempts to control pollution are failing.

To address the issue of polluted water seeping into the foundation, it is crucial to tackle the source of the pollution. This involves improving waste management and sewage treatment facilities in the surrounding area. Implementing stricter environmental regulations and enforcing them effectively can help reduce the amount of untreated waste that ends up in the groundwater.

Additionally, regular maintenance and monitoring of the Taj Mahal's foundation are essential. This includes inspecting for any signs of cavities or weakening and taking prompt action to repair and strengthen the foundation. By addressing the root cause of the pollution and implementing proactive maintenance measures, it is possible to mitigate the damage caused by polluted water and preserve the structural integrity of this iconic monument.

The polluted water has high phosphorus levels, which are picked up by the wind and deposited on the stonework

The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it is at risk from pollution. The white marble is turning yellow, and the Indian government has been criticised for not doing enough to protect it.

One of the main issues is the polluted water, which has high phosphorus levels. This is caused by untreated sewage and waste from the city, which seeps into the foundation of the Taj Mahal, weakening it. The wind then picks up these pollutants and deposits them on the stonework, where river-derived microorganisms leave green droppings.

To address this issue, it is essential to reduce the amount of pollution in the water. This can be achieved by improving the treatment of sewage and waste, and ensuring that all restrooms serving tourists are connected to a proper treatment facility. Additionally, the government should continue to relocate industrial units and take other measures to reduce pollution levels in the area.

Another measure that could help is the development of local parks, such as the Shah Jahan Garden, to control the crowds and give people a different area to spread out across the complex. This would reduce the impact of pollution from vehicles and other sources.

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