(a) whether marble of Taj Mahal isgetting discolored due to air pollution;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the efforts made by the Government to protect
Taj Mahal;
(c) whether the foundation of TajMahal is becoming weak due to pollutedwater of Yamuna; and
(d) if so, the corrective measures beingtaken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) & (b) According to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) the pollutants from various sources have been superficially depositing on the marble surface of Taj Mahal as particulate matters. Due to scattering of light by these deposited particles, the marble surface appears to have changed in colour. The ASI has formulated scientific cleaning and conservation plan to protect the surface of Taj Mahal from deposited pollutants. Accordingly, all four minarets, eight facades, four pedestal marble walls, interior portion of periphery up to human height & four Chhatries at roof top of main Mausoleum, has already been cleaned & treated. However, the cleaning of main dome requires some technical studies.
(c) & (d) ASI has informed that the water level of Yamuna is away from the Northern wall of Taj Mahal. Therefore,specific study on the link between Yamuna water and strength of the foundation of Taj Mahal has not been conducted.
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