Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. Taj Mahal, India’s monument of love is one among them. There are 32 World Heritage Sites in India that are recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Pollution Discolouring India's Monument of Love - Taj Mahal
It was built by Emperor Shahjahan in memory of his third wife Begum Mumtaz Mahal who had died in 1631. It is a large edifice made in white marble in typical Mughal architecture. This 366-year-old masterpiece was built over a 16-year period between 1631 and 1648. But this much acclaimed India’s monument of love, Taj Mahal, is now turning yellow, according to Archeological Survey of India officials.
Pollution Discolouring Taj Mahal :
If we get into the details about why is this masterpiece turning yellow – For years, people living close to the Taj Mahal have burned fuel and garbage. Slowly, tiny pieces of those fires are changing the marble on the Taj Mahal from bright white to brownish yellow. The pollution leaves particles that change the marble’s color.
Dr Bhuvan Vikrama, an Archaeologist at Archaeological Survey of India said “The marble of the Taj Mahal is turning yellow because of the dust particles coming out of the environment. We are continuing our efforts to remove the dust particles and other harmful gases. So some portions get cleaned but deposition of dust and carbon particles also continue. As a result the process of pollution and cleaning go on happening in a cycle”.
“Local authorities are taking the necessary steps to reduce pollution around the Taj Mahal. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is regularly monitoring ambient air quality around Taj Mahal and attending to essential conservation, preservation and environmental development works to reduce the effect of pollution on marble surface,” said Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma.
Taj Mahal’s decolorisation was blamed on the growing industrialization and also urbanization in the Indian city of Agra where the historical site is located.