Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is in danger

Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is in danger

The Taj Mahal, which is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is at risk due to water and air pollution in and around the city of Agra where it is located. The Yamuna River that flows nearby increases its beauty manifold, especially in the night; however, the pollution of the river is also one of the causes for deteriorating condition of the Taj. In summer, the flow of the water in the Yamuna gets reduced considerably resulting into a breeding ground for insects. Stagnant water also causes algae formation on the river bed. These insects form greenish patches on the white marble of the Taj tarnishing its beauty significantly. In winter, when water flow is adequate no insects breed on the river bed and then no harm to the Taj Mahal.

Moreover, the air in Agra has become highly polluted due to many industries in the vicinity. Mathura refinery is only 40 miles away from the place where the Taj is located. A lot of particulate matter is generated by the burning of municipal waste. This contributes immensely to the deteriorating air quality in the city causing greenish shade on the marble surface of the Taj. Recently, the Supreme Court of India had to intervene in the matter directing the Government of India to take special measures that include inviting experts from abroad to restore the original beauty of the Taj.

The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan, the Mogul Emperor in the 17th century, in the remembrance of his wife Mumtaj Mahal. The history reveals that its construction began in 1632 AD and lasted until 1648 AD that involved over 20,000 workers. The monument is visited by over 3 million tourists from all over the world every year. The Taj has been declared the world heritage site by the UNESCO in 1983.