Taj Mahal continues to lose its sheen due to pollution in the Yamuna and industrial emissions

Despite two decades of judicial activism, major policy pronouncements and projects worth millions of rupees, the Taj city Agra remains one of the most polluted cities in the world. Contaminated water and toxic air pollution continue to endanger the health of residents and millions of tourists flooding the world-famous monument every year.
The expectation vs reality of visiting the majestic Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, remains quite contrasted. Authorities have received repeated complaints from tourists over the years about the foul smell that is ruining their experiences at this 'romantic' destination.
The foul-smelling gas may not only be an odour and aesthetics issue; it is most likely to blame for the Taj's beautiful white marble's discolouration.
The stink from the Yamuna river's darker, foamy waters is largely attributed to hydrogen sulphide (H2S). Recent research into this odour-causing gas shows that it has corrosive effects on the iconic monument. Comparatively, the sulphur dioxide (SO2) released by industrial pollution in Agra city had a less corrosive effect than H2S removed from polluted Yamuna water.
For over three decades, people believed Sulphur dioxide was the primary pollutant causing the pristine white marbles to deteriorate. In 2016, the Archaeological Survey of India presented its findings to the Supreme Court of India, citing Yamuna pollution as a factor harming the marble structure. But the report blamed it on the growth of the insect genus Goeldichironomus in stagnant Yamuna water devoid of aquatic life. It blamed the insect excreta for the green and brownish patches on the Taj marbles.
In a directive to preserve the ancient monuments of India, the government launched an archaeological survey that assessed the condition of the Taj Mahal, which has been facing the brunt of climate and pollution of the city of Agra. Recently, The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has stated that there is no threat to the Taj Mahal's foundation. ASI also confirmed that regular monitoring is carried out in this regard and that the monument is in good condition. The ministry also stated that the Uttar Pradesh government had informed the Centre that clearance from six departments and ministries is required to carry out the project in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal.
Irrespective of the cause for decolouration, the situation remains grave in terms of ecological collapse being witnessed in the Yamuna river and the gradual disappearance of the green cover from the region. After the experts raised concerns over the oil refinery in Mathura in 1974, Agra became a case example for India's serious intent to fight pollution. However, the haphazard growth of the Taj Trapezium Zone's (TTZ) urban clusters has posed more challenges and the consequences of unplanned urbanisation is quite evident today.