POLLUTION THREAT TO TAJ MAHAL
The Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the modern world and India’s greatest landmark, is in danger of being damaged by air and water pollution. Agra, where the Taj Mahal stands, has been polluted heavily by industries and traffic over the past decades. Illegal factories are springing up around the Taj Mahal and uncontrolled construction around the monument seems to be endless. Ground water levels are sinking because the population around Agra, a city of four million people, is growing and needs more and more water. The wooden foundations of the monument may collapse because they are becoming too dry.
The Yamuna River, which runs through Agra, is heavily polluted by industries around the capital Delhi, which is about hundred and fifty kilometers up the river.
At the end of the last century the government realized the growing problem and started a program to save the monument’s shiny white marble façade because it was turning yellow. Over $150 million were spent on restoration but it did not help much. Corrosion has continued and acid rain has also caused a change in the color of the façade. Some years ago restoration experts started putting mud packs around the façade to bring back the building’s shiny white color.
The government and city authorities have taken measures to protect India’s greatest sight. Pollution stations around Agra monitor air quality around the clock. Car traffic has been banned within two kilometers of the monument. Electric and battery driven cars and buses then take tourists to the site. A natural gas pipeline is also in discussion. Factories and industries around Agra should be persuaded to change to cleaner forms of energy.
Each year about 3 million tourists come to the Taj Mahal. The building was built by a Mogul emperor in the 17 th century. It took over 20,000 workers 17 years to finish it.
http://www.english-online.at/news-articles/environment/pollution-endangers-taj-mahal.htm
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