The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic monuments in the world, is facing a serious threat from the pollution caused by nearby industrial wastage. The villages surrounding the Taj Mahal, including Kheria, Nagla Devjit, and Tora, have become highly polluted due to industrial waste and emissions, and this pollution is taking a toll on the health of the local residents.
According to a recent study conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the air and water quality in these villages is severely impacted by industrial pollution.
The study found that the air quality in Kheria, which is located just 500 meters from the Taj Mahal, was six times worse than the safe limit prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Please read WHO Guidelines here:
https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/what-are-the-who-air-quality-guidelines
The levels of PM 2.5, a dangerous pollutant that can cause respiratory problems and other health issues, were found to be as high as 600 micrograms per cubic meter, which is six times the safe limit of 100 micrograms per cubic meter.
Similarly, the water quality in these villages is also severely impacted by industrial pollution. The study found that the groundwater in Kheria and Nagla Devjit was highly contaminated with heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, and chromium. The levels of these heavy metals were found to be 10-15 times higher than the safe limits prescribed by the Indian government.
Please read GOI report here:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4144270/
The pollution in these villages is mainly caused by industries that operate without proper environmental clearances or regulation. The industries in the area, which include textile mills, foundries, and chemical factories, discharge their waste into the nearby water bodies and release harmful emissions into the air. This has led to the contamination of the groundwater and the air in the surrounding areas.
The impact of this pollution is not limited to the environment. The local residents are also suffering from the health consequences of this pollution. According to the CSE study, the incidence of respiratory diseases, skin diseases, and other health issues is much higher in these villages compared to the surrounding areas. The study found that the children in these villages have a higher incidence of bronchitis and other respiratory problems.
The local residents have been complaining about this pollution for a long time, but their concerns have largely been ignored by the authorities. The pollution control board has failed to take action against the industries that are polluting the area, and the local administration has also been slow to respond to the concerns of the residents.
The pollution around the Taj Mahal is not a new issue. The monument has been facing a threat from pollution for several decades now. In 1996, the Supreme Court of India directed the authorities to take measures to protect the monument from pollution, but these measures have not been adequate to address the problem.
Please read about judgement here:
https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1964392/
The current situation demands urgent action from the authorities. The pollution control board needs to take strict action against the industries that are polluting the area. The industries need to be made to comply with the environmental regulations and norms. The local administration needs to take steps to improve the air and water quality in these villages and provide healthcare facilities to the residents who are suffering from the health consequences of this pollution.
The pollution around the Taj Mahal is not just a local problem. It is a national issue and needs to be addressed urgently. The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic monuments in the world, and it is the responsibility of every citizen to ensure that it is protected from pollution. The authorities need to act now before it is too late.
The pollution around the Taj Mahal is not only affecting the health of the local residents but also damaging the monument itself. The Taj Mahal, which is made of white marble, is highly susceptible to damage from air pollution. The pollutants in the air can react with the marble and cause discoloration and erosion. This can lead to irreparable damage to the monument, which is considered a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.
The impact of pollution on the Taj Mahal has been a matter of concern for several years. In 2018, the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) authority, which was set up to protect the Taj Mahal and the surrounding area, directed the industries in the area to switch to cleaner fuels. However, this directive was not implemented effectively, and the pollution levels have continued to rise.
The pollution around the Taj Mahal is not just a threat to the monument but also to the tourism industry in the area. The Taj Mahal is a major tourist attraction, and the pollution can deter tourists from visiting the monument. This can have a significant impact on the local economy, which is largely dependent on tourism.
The government needs to take urgent steps to address the pollution around the Taj Mahal. The industries in the area need to be made to comply with the environmental norms, and the pollution control board needs to take strict action against those who violate these norms. The local administration needs to improve the air and water quality in the surrounding villages and provide healthcare facilities to the residents who are suffering from the health consequences of this pollution.
The government also needs to take steps to promote clean energy sources and encourage industries to switch to cleaner fuels. This can help reduce the pollution levels in the area and protect the Taj Mahal from further damage.
The pollution around the Taj Mahal is a serious issue that needs to be addressed urgently. The pollution is not just a threat to the monument but also to the health of the local residents and the tourism industry in the area. The government needs to take strict action against the industries that are polluting the area and improve the air and water quality in the surrounding villages. The Taj Mahal is a national treasure, and it is the responsibility of every citizen to protect it from pollution.