Taj Mahal not turning yellow, government tells Parliament

NEW DELHI: The Taj Mahal is not turning yellow due to pollution and the necessary steps are being taken for the preservation of the historic Agra monument, Parliament was informed today.

The required actions are being taken to reduce pollution in the vicinity of the 18th century monument and it is in a good state of preservation, Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

"Local authorities are taking the necessary steps to reduce pollution around the Taj Mahal.

"The Archaeological Survey of India ( ASI) is regularly monitoring ambient air quality around Taj Mahal and attending to essential conservation, preservation and environmental development works to reduce the effect of pollution on marble surface," the minister said in his reply, adding that the iconic mausoleum is in a good state of preservation due to the consistent efforts of the said agency.

Sharma, meanwhile, denied that any international experts were engaged by ASI for undertaking restoration work at the monument, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

"Conservation work at Taj Mahal is attended to regularly by the ASI. Wherever necessary, advice from reputed government agencies in the country is taken for better care of the monument," he said.