| Air pollution has been taking its toll of the world famous Taj Mahal. Plans are afoot to clense it with a mud bath.
Taj Mahal turning yellow due to pollution
The Taj Mahal, one of India's most famed monuments, known for its white marble, has been gradually turning yellowish. Particulate matter associated with air pollution has been accumulating on the Taj Mahal giving the marble a yellow look.
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Taj Mahal in 2004
Authorities are planning to give the Taj Mahal a mud bath. The mud bath works by absorbing the dirt while drying. Then, when the mud has dried, having absorbed the particulate matter, the mud is washed off. The cost has been assessed at US$230,000, and will be necessary to be repeated every two to three years to keep the Taj Mahal's marble clean.
Built between 1632 and 1654 by the Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal houses their graves and a mosque. It also houses the graves of other lesser Mogul royality.
Roughly 3,000,000 tourists visit the monument every year, and visitors are required to park 2 miles away from the monument to reduce pollution around the area.
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