Indian Heritage & Culture
ASI’s Plan to Conserve Taj Mahal
- 16 May 2019
- 3 min read
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has submitted a host of measures as part of a “Site Management Plan” to the Supreme Court, in pursuance of its order earlier this year, for conserving the Taj Mahal.
- A site management plan is a document which gives a holistic perspective on conservation and management of the site.
Background
- White marble used in the monument has turned yellow due to air pollution.
- Water stagnation in the Yamuna river and high phosphorus levels on the riverbed made it a breeding ground for insects that form brown and green patches on the walls of the Taj.
- Sweat, oil and dirt from visitors being getting absorbed into the marble of the Taj.
Measures Suggested in the Plan
- For avoiding discolouration:
- Scientific treatment and cleaning of the replica graves and surrounding walls inside the mausoleum.
- To prevent dust from spreading, mechanical and wet cleaning of roads within 5-km radius of the monument, has been suggested.
- Making shoe cover mandatory for entering the mausoleum premises has also been suggested.
- All buildings and gardens within the complex need to be regularly maintained to ensure its good state of preservation.
- For tackling pollution:
- A complete ban on burning of biomass/municipal waste.
- All public transport running in the city should be CNG-based or battery-operated.
- Encouraging plantation in the city’s open areas and strict implementation of the National Building Code for construction-related activities.
- Encouraging the use of electric crematorium and cleaning up of the banks of the river Yamuna.
- For managing footfall:
- Alternate queuing systems and differential ticketing systems must be used and extra security personnel be deployed at various locations to cater to the high footfall.
Taj Mahal
- The Taj Mahal (Agra) is a mausoleum of white marble built by the Mughal emperor, Shahjahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It stands on the banks of the river Yamuna.
- The construction of the Taj Mahal was completed within a period of 17 years from 1631 to 1648 AD.
- The Taj Mahal was declared a centrally protected monument of national importance in December 1920.
- Considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it was inscribed on the list of World Heritage Sites in 1983.
- It is famous for its unique layout, perfection in symmetry and inlay work.
