ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS CAUSED TO TAJ MAHAL

TOPICS

Introduction Problems Initiatives Government Decision Help of Corporate Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

Location: On the banks of river Yamuna in Agra

Year of Construction: 1632-1653

Built By: Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan

Spread Over: 42 acres

Significance:

In 1983, Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In 2008, it was named one of the new seven wonders of the world.

PROBLEMS

Industrialisation Industrial growth in recent years.

Agra has been identified as a "pollution intensive zone" by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Mathura's oil refinery – No. 1 , 50kms

The area around Taj contains five times the amount of suspended particles (such as sulfur dioxide

TRANSPORT

Traffic is also a significant problem in Agra

The city and the surrounding area have 5.5 million people living there and attract 14,00,000 tourists annually.

High levels of pollutants like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and smoke

Carbon monoxide is produced from incomplete burning of fuels such as petrol and diesel. It is a poisonous gas.

95,000 vehicles pass through the zone every day

YAMUNA RIVER

Increasing amounts of industrial waste.

Untreated sewage from Agra and the scores of other cities, including New Delhi.

The liquid waste flows into the river which is 200 meters away through rich green cover that supports fauna.

INITIATIVE

LPG for all house holdsThe entire waiting list for LPG connections in Taj Trapezium area has been cleared and

connections are now offered across the counter.

Supply of lead free Petrol Unleaded petrol has been made available through 22 retail outlets in

Agra. Low lead petrol containing a maximum lead content of 0.15 gm\ltr. is also available in all the outlets.

Preferential allocation of LPG for industries Under this programme Oil Companies are in position to supply LPG, to

industries and commercial establishment in the Taj Trapezium area. But the demand from the industry has been very poor.

GOVERNMENT DECISION

In August 1999, the Supreme Court struck ordering the closure of 53 iron foundries and 107 other factories in Agra that had not cleaned up their act. The order has become a call to arms for foundry owners, workers, trade union representatives and small-scale industry.

HELP OF CORPORATE

In June 2001, the GOI announced to sign a deal with the TATA group

TATA’s commitment focused more on the restoration of the damaged stones and restructuring the existing museum.

Tax exemption for TATA group

Taj Mahal currently takes in about $2 million at the gate each month

SUGGESTIONS

More and more corporate sector should come and join the hands with the government

Making the citizen aware about how and why the preservation is necessary.

Include a subject in the academics of the student both at the school and college level

CONCLUSION

What if tourist destinations ceases to be a tourist attractions?

THANK YOU