What is the Taj Mahal?
Taj Mahal, the 17th century white marble monument of love, is turning yellow due to pollution, dust and dirt.
Due to a high level of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) in the air, the white marble surface of the Taj Mahal has acquired a yellowish appearance. The dry Yamuna bed for most part of the year raises enough dust to scrub the surface of the white marble monument, leaving pockmarks. In recent years, dust laden westerly winds from neighbouring Rajasthan desert have further compounded this problem of SPM.
The Aravali range used to act as a barrier and prevented dust laden winds from entering Agra and neighbouring districts. However, local environmentalists say large-scale mining activity in the Aravalis has created huge gaps, right from Dhaula Kuan in Delhi to Banaskantha district of Gujarat.
Can something be done to save it?
A clay pack treatment has been introduced to try and maintain the white appearance of the marble building and thwart any yellow color the pollution threatens to cause. However nature does have a cure for it.
Tulsi to insulate Taj Mahal from pollution!
Tulsi to save Taj Mahal from pollutants.
Tulsi (Occinum sanctum) has been chosen for its anti-pollutant anti-oxidation and air-purifying properties making it an ideal ornamental shrub in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal. Now Tulsi is being used to help Taj Mahal to retain its pristine allure. Even as the monument of love yellowing with age awaits its promised beauty pack for well over two years, forest department has come up with a quick-fix project — plant a Tulsi drive in Agra. The recommended complexion care regimen officers claim has full backing from ancient texts which hold Tulsi to be the panacea for all problems from cosmic to cosmetic. The department is all set to launch the Tulsi plantation drive from January 2009. The public-private joint venture is expected to provide an eco-protection cover to sensitive Taj trapezium zone surrounding the 17th century monument – The Taj Mahal.
What are some other uses for tulsi?
The herb is worshiped by Hindus. Can you find out why it is given so much importance?
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