The central government, through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has submitted a time-bound action plan to scientifically remedy the discolouration of the Taj Mahal, which is one of the seven wonders of the world.
The central government, through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has submitted a time-bound action plan to scientifically remedy the discolouration of the Taj Mahal, which is one of the seven wonders of the world.
The action plan comes in the backdrop of an inspection visit of the Parliamentary committee on science and technology , environment and forests to the Taj. During their visit, the committee "took serious note of the damage caused to the Taj over time" and asked the Director-General, ASI, to take urgent "remedial measures and to prepare an Action Plan to address "environmental challenges that were adversely affecting the historic monument".
As part of the action plan, the monument will be carried out in phases between 2015-16 and 2018 and the proposed budget for the entire work is 5.49crores. The first phase will focus on scientific treatment of the four minarets, of which, work has already begun on the north-east minaret. This would be followed by scientific treatment and cleaning of pedestal wall, cleaning of the interior of the mausoleum including the chambers of the inner dome and floral panels. The facade of the Taj and its arches too will be taken up for scientific cleaning.
In the second phase of the cleaning, the ASI will take up restoration of pathways whilst taking care of the original stonework while in the third phase, wooden barricading would be made to protect ornate marble work. There is a possibility that glass barricading would be provided to protect ornate marble work inside the mausoleum. In the fourth and last phase, the Taj's there would even be fencing of the monument to prevent animals and birds from enetering it.
Improving surroundings
The parliamentary committee also discussed issues of improving the environment around the Taj with the Agra Development Authority. In this regard, ASI has written to the Agra Development Authority on pollution control measures in the surroundings of the Taj. Key among them is treatment of waste water and sewage before discharging it. ASI has also asked the authority to immediately stop bathing of animals in Yamuna that runs near Taj Mahal.
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