Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has directed officials to find out the reasons behind the discoloring of the World Heritage Monument and also find a solution. He instructed the Agra Divisional Commissioner, District Magistrate, Public Works Department, Archaeology and Pollution Board officials to soon trace the factors behind the problem and find a suitable solution.
The Taj Mahal is in danger as swarms of insects breeding in a polluted river near the monument are threatening the marbles by leaving green and black patches of excrement on its walls, turning them green.
‘Symbol of love’ Taj Mahal in danger from insect attack — https://t.co/9FhykGiSro#AGRA, #TajMahal, pic.twitter.com/0p0jgBtJmI
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"We have noticed the small patches on Taj and these become dark green and blue. After observation we found that it's due to the swarm of insects in the Yamuna River. We have also found that these insects are attracted to lights which have been installed for the security of the Taj Mahal. These insects excrete when they sit on the white marbles of the Taj Mahal leaving a green pigment. Now it is increasing. We have tried to erase the green color of the walls but so far we have not succeeded. We are also planning to switch off the lights around the Taj at night," Superintending Archaeologist (Science Branch), M. K. Bhatnagar told Sputnik.
The world famous monument, the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the grandson of Akbar, in the memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. It attracts huge number of tourists from across the world.
