One of the most known iconic property of India, Taj Mahal is under the insect’s threat. The formation of dark green patches on the exterior marble of Taj Mahal will ruin the 368-year-old monument. The situation has come under the eye of National Green Tribunal, who has asked for a reply from the centre on Monday.
Even though the issue of Taj Mahal and how it is being affected by population is covered extensively for the last decade but no stringent laws have been implemented by the authorities for the protection of the property.
The development of dark green patches on the wall is because of the stagnation of water in the Yamuna, which has led to the breeding of insects in the water. It is because of regular dumping of the city waste in the Yamuna River which is very nearby to the Taj Mahal.
Environment activist and Agra resident DK Joshi first brought the matter into account when he filed a plea of how dumping of waste in the Yamuna has led to stagnation of the river. He also stated, ‘consequently the explosive breeding of an insect called ‘Chironomus Calligraphus’ has resulted in the stagnation of water in the Yamuna.
Taking the matter seriously, a plea has been filed by advocate Rahul Chaudhary. He has asked the committee to look into the situation and to take some major steps to protect both Taj Mahal and Yamuna River.
Also a preliminary study has been done by School of Entomology, St John’s School, Agra where they have found that because of the stagnation of water in the Yamuna River, insects from the river are affecting the monument.
A Board has been formed headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar. He has issued a notice to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Uttar Pradesh government, state pollution control board, State Environment Impact Assessment Authority and others.
Taj Mahal is the most known property of India and attracts the largest number of visitors throughout the year.