(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to slanting of minarets in Taj Mahal;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the action taken to stop further slanting of minarets and to correct the positioning; and
(d) the other steps taken to protect the Taj Mahal building ?
MINISTER FOR INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND CULTURE (SHRI S. JAIPAL REDDY)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The study of verticality of minarets of the Taj Mahal at Agra has been made from time to time by Survey of India and various other agencies. The investigations have revealed very insignificant deviation from the perpendicular, which is not alarming.
(c) As the deviation from the verticality is very insignificant no such measures to correct the position has been taken yet. However, every care is taken for routine maintenance and repairs of the minarets and monument.
(d) The ASI has been attending to various conservation and repair works for proper preservation and presentation of the monument depending upon the availability of the resources. The monument is in good state of preservation.