Home / Environment / Pollution Chokes Humayun's Tomb in Delhi
Pollution Chokes Humayun's Tomb in Delhi
3 Aug
Summary
- Black crust from air pollution accelerates Humayun's Tomb deterioration.
- Gypsum crust forms from sulfur dioxide and calcium dust reaction.
- Thickest crust found in rain-sheltered areas of the monument.
A joint study by IIT Roorkee and IIT Kanpur has determined that air pollution is accelerating the deterioration of Delhi's 16th-century Humayun's Tomb. Researchers found that a black crust on the sandstone, primarily composed of gypsum, is weakening the structure.
This damaging gypsum layer forms when sulfur dioxide from polluted air reacts with calcium dust and moisture. The crust accumulates pollutants like soot and dust from various sources, including vehicle emissions and biomass burning.
The study observed that the thickest crust formation occurs in areas sheltered from rain, which naturally cleans exposed surfaces. These findings provide scientific evidence of pollution's impact on heritage sites.
Conservationists are urged to implement periodic crust removal, continuous pollution monitoring, and source reduction strategies. These measures aim to protect Humayun's Tomb, a significant Mughal architectural landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
