The document discusses the threats facing the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Experts say that within five years, the wooden foundations of the Taj Mahal could collapse due to acid rain, air pollution, deforestation, large numbers of tourists, and pollution in the nearby Yamuna River. Restoration efforts include cleaning the marble, applying protective silicone treatments, establishing a green buffer zone around the Taj Mahal, reducing pollution from nearby industries and traffic, and monitoring air quality. The document stresses the importance of preserving the Taj Mahal and India's cultural heritage.

2. MADE BY: SIDDHANT GUPTA
CLASS: ‘X’A
ROLL NO.: 15

4. IN DANGER:- Experts have said
that the Taj Mahal in Agra could be
in danger of collapsing within five
years because its wooden
foundations are routing.

6. # Natural: Acid rain which have a weathering effect on
the marble, can cause chipping and cracking as the
mineral impurities present in the marble get oxidized
and create brown stains.

7. # Air pollution: Research conducted by experts from American
universities – Georgia Institute of Technology and University of
Wisconsin as well as Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur and
Archaeological Survey of India put forth that the Taj is changing
colour due to deposition of dust and carbon-containing particles
emitted in the burning of fossil fuels, biomass and garbage
which are settling on the Taj Mahal causing discolouration.

8. # Deforestation: Agra lying in a semi-arid zone
experiencing very hot summers when mercury touches 49
degrees, with a large number of trees felled in recent
years giving way to roads and other infrastructural works
hot dusty winds have an abrasive effect on the marble.

9. # Tourists: Unregulated number of visitors is seen as the
biggest threat as constant treading wearing down the
marble floors. Presence of visitors increases humidity
inside the building and the grease from their palms
causes deposition of grime on the walls.

10. # Polluted Yamuna: Yamuna is weakening the Sal
wood in the foundations of the Taj which needs
constant moisture to prevent it from cracking and
the low flow in the river including high pollution are
also major causes of concern.

12. 1. The restoration objectives included
the cleaning of the marble, research into
the cleaning products and
waterproofing. To prevent rain damage
and algae growth special silicone-based
agents have been applied to the façade.

13. 2. A green buffer zone was also established
around the Taj Mahal and prohibits the
construction of industrial plants and supports
the planting of trees and shrubs. Oil refineries
have been ordered to reduce their pollutant
levels and coal based brick kilns have been
banned or ordered to switch to gas.

14. 3. Traffic is also a significant problem in Agra,
with high levels of carbon monoxide in the air.
The city and the surrounding area have 5.5
million people living there and attract 7 million
tourists annually. Battery charged buses now
function to take people to and from the Taj
Mahal.

15. 4. Authorities have also set up
pollution monitoring stations
around the Taj Mahal

16. These points helps us to
preserve Taj Mahal
SO, PRESERVE TAJ MAHAL
AND
PRESERVE OUR HERITAGE