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Taj Mahal Stained Again by Polluted Yamuna River
20 Oct
Summary
- Green and black stains reappear on the Taj Mahal's facade.
- Insects breed in Yamuna River, leaving droppings on marble.
- Pollution in Yamuna is the root cause of recurring damage.
Agra's Taj Mahal is facing a renewed threat from environmental degradation as pollution in the adjacent Yamuna River causes green and black stains to reappear on its northern facade. Swarms of non-biting midges are breeding in the river's stagnant, sewage-laden waters, leaving unsightly droppings on the historic structure's marble and sandstone. ASI officials confirmed that the infestation has affected marble walls, intricate lattice screens, and marble bases of railings.
These insect populations surge twice a year, typically in October and April, when the Yamuna's water level drops and organic pollutant concentrations peak. An ASI official noted that the insects thrive in polluted silt and their impact is largely confined to lower areas of the monument. While the agency's chemical science branch will clean the discolored surfaces, conservationists stress that this only treats the symptoms.
Conservationists and ASI staff emphasize that unless the Yamuna is cleaned and the insects are eradicated through a regular flow of clean water, these stains will continue to reappear. Reports have been submitted to district authorities highlighting the urgent need for river desilting and increased water flow, but action is reportedly lacking. The issue of insect deposits damaging the UNESCO World Heritage site first gained attention in 2016, leading to past NGT orders for silt removal and river maintenance. Local activists allege that raw sewage and industrial effluent continue to be discharged directly into the Yamuna, exacerbating the problem.
