Question : Insect Attack on Monuments

(a) whether the Government is aware of the recurring problem of Goeldichironomus insect, which attacks Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Etmadaulla monuments at Agra & Fatehpur Sikri every year since 2015;

(b) whether any action has been taken to deal with this problem, including conducting any study of the problem;

(c) if so, the recommendations made in such study and the details of the action(s) taken or proposed to be taken;

(d) whether the de-silting of Yamuna has also been recommended in the above study; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CULTURE & TOURISM

(PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)


(a) Yes Sir. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is aware of this problem in indicated monuments at Agra. No such problem has been noticed so far at Fatehpur Sikri.

(b) Yes Sir. The Science Branch of ASI has conducted the required study in this regard.

(c) The recommendations made in the study includes scientific cleaning and preservation of the monument fabric, de-silting of Yamuna river and cleaning & removal of vegetation growth from the river banks. The action taken comprises proper cleaning and conservation/ preservation of the monument including cleaning of river banks and removal of vegetation growth.

(d) Yes Sir.

(e) The recommendations include de-silting and cleaning of the Yamuna river, clean the river banks, increase the water flow in the river and prevent stagnation of the water.