Taj Mahal pollution: Industries given clean chit, vehicles, garbage burning cause of harm

A committee formed by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests and headed by a ministry advisor has given a clean chit to industries, and has primarily blamed vehicular pollution, burning of garbage, and construction work as major contributors harming the Taj Mahal in Agra.

As per a Times of India report, the committee also recommended that there is a need to have revised standards for gas-based glass industries as well as fresh environmental guidelines for small-scale glass manufacturing industries.

The emission from Mathura Refinery and glass industries in Firozabad seem to have less contribution on air quality at Taj Mahal due to their distance. However, they should continue their efforts in keeping their emission within the prescribed limits, the committee observed.

A 2015 joint study by India and the United States also said that the iconic monument was changing from white to yellow because of pollution and carbon deposits in the marble, thereby harming the Taj Mahal.