A Green Taj Mahal?

Taj Mahal has been invaded by insect poo from the polluted Yamuna river, leaving greenish-black patches of waste on its pristine white marble walls.

13:03 26 May 2016

India’s iconic Taj Mahal has been threatened in recent weeks by insect poo from the polluted Yamuna river, leaving greenish-black patches of waste on its pristine white marble walls. The 17th Century monument has also been threatened by pollution, unabashed construction, a crematorium, and even bombs in recent years.

 

Environmental activist DK Joshi said: "Fifty-two drains are pouring waste directly into the river and just behind the monument, Yamuna has become so stagnant that fish that earlier kept insect populations in check are dying. This allows pests to proliferate in the river,"

 

Mr Joshi has filed a petition in the National Green Tribunal to deal with such environmental issues.

 

Although the green stains left by the insect are washable, Mr Joshi said that frequent scrubbing can take the sheen off the marble. He added that the best solution to the problem is to just clean up the Yamuna.

 

Other than the insects, Taj Mahal is also threatened by pollution from the industries in Agra and a nearby oil refinery that made the while marble of the temple appear yellowish over the years. Over the years, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been applying “mud packs” on its walls to draw out the pollutants.