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The Archaeological Survey of India Takes Initiatives to Conserve the Taj Mahal
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has put forward several recommendations as part of a “Site Management Plan” to the Supreme Court. The plan aims to preserve one of India’s most iconic monuments – the Taj Mahal. A site management plan serves as a comprehensive guide outlining conservation and site management strategies.
Background
The Taj Mahal, a monument constructed of white marble, has begun to turn yellow due largely to airborne pollution. Other contributing factors include water stagnation in the nearby river Yamuna and elevated phosphorus levels in the river bed, creating an ideal breeding ground for insects. These insects then leave brown and green patches on the monument’s walls. Additionally, sweat, oil and dirt from visitors interact with the marble, leading to further discoloration.
Suggestions Made in the Site Management Plan
The ASI has proposed several measures targeted at preventing the discolouration of the Taj Mahal, tackling pollution around it, and managing human traffic visiting the monument.
1. Counteracting Discoloration: The plan calls for scientific treatment and cleaning of the tomb replicas and surrounding walls inside the mausoleum. To keep dust from spreading, mechanical and wet cleaning of roads within a 5-km radius of the monument have been recommended. The ASI also recommends making shoe coverings mandatory for visitors entering the mausoleum premises. Regular maintenance of all buildings and gardens within the complex to ensure ongoing preservation is another suggestion.
2. Battle against Pollution: The ASI strongly recommends a complete ban on burning biomass or municipal waste in the region. They urge that all public transportation should run on CNG or be battery-operated. The plan also encourages afforestation in open areas of the city, strict adherence to the National Building Code for construction-related activities, and promoting the use of electric crematoriums. The ASI further pushes for cleaning the banks of the Yamuna river.
3. Management of Foot Traffic: The ASI advises using different queuing systems and differential ticketing systems. The plan also suggests deploying additional security personnel at various locations to handle the high visitor footfall.
Facts About The Taj Mahal
| Built By | Mughal emperor, Shahjahan |
| Reason for Construction | In memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal |
| Construction Period | 1631 to 1648 AD |
| Declared a Monument of National Importance | December 1920 |
| World Heritage Site | Listed in 1983 |
About The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, is a white marble mausoleum developed by Mughal emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Erected on the banks of the Yamuna river, it took 17 years to build this marvellous structure from 1631 to 1648 AD. In December 1920, it was declared a centrally protected monument of national importance. The Taj Mahal, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in 1983. It is renowned for its unique design, symmetry, and intricate inlay work.