Date:07/09/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/09/07/stories/2007090755211600.htm

National

Taj Mahal turning yellow due to pollution

New Delhi: Taj Mahal, the 17th century white marble monument of love, is turning yellow due to dust and dirt.

Due to a high level of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) in the air, the white marble surface of the Taj Mahal has acquired a yellowish appearance, Minister for Tourism and Culture Ambika Soni told Lok Sabha on Thursday. She said the niches, arches and the brackets used for supporting the balcony of minarets were particularly turning yellow. “The main reason for the yellowish appearance seems to be dust and dirt deposits, which do not get washed off by rain.”

The Minister informed that these accretionary deposits over the marble are safely removed by clay pack treatment, which is non-corrosive and non-abrasive.

The clay pack treatment was carried out in 2001-03 and the same is being repeated in certain areas during this year, Ms. Soni said. — PTI