Taj Mahal India, a magnificent edifice stands tall in the beautiful Indian sun as the Indian government contemplates what to do with the derelict structure that has lost its luster. Photo: Gerd Eichmann. via Wikimedia  

ART NEWS: The Supreme Court of India has issued a warning that the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and popular tourist attraction, may face demolition if not restored from its current derelict state.

BY KAZAD

INDIA– What will happen to Taj Mahal India?  Will it be demolished or restored? Only the Indian government can answer these important questions.  In May, a two-judge committee at India’s Supreme Court issued an ultimatum to the government: “Either we shut down the Taj or demolish it or you restore it.”  The judgment is coming down at the height of complaints that the White Marble Monument, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has become an eyesore.  In addition to turning yellow due to pollution and insect dung, the monument has also lost its aura.

Although those in the cultural sector, visitors, and many Indians have been complaining about the derelict state of the monument for years, the issue came to a head in May when the judges intervened.  In their decision, the judges sided with the people and have been doing everything to bring attention to the derelict state of the landmark. As a way of saving the monument, the judges told the central government that it should seek foreign expertise to fix “the worrying change in colour.”  Ironically, the judges’ admonition was ignored.

The Supreme Court judges made a resolute effort to draw attention to the deteriorating condition of the Taj Mahal India. They conveyed to the Ministry of Environment and Forests that the state government of Uttar Pradesh had shown no concern for the ruinous state of the Taj. The reason for this, as per the court, was the absence of any action plan or vision document for the restoration of the monument. The court issued a stern declaration, stating, “Either you demolish the Taj Mahal or you restore it.”

Taj Mahal India: A Brief History

Taj Mahal India was built in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum to his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. The monument was an ivory-white marble in its good old days and was a major tourist attraction, attracting around 70,000 visitors daily. It includes a mosque, a guesthouse, and an amazing garden bounded on three sides by a crenelated wall.

The monument has lost its aura due to pollution and insect dung. The white marble monument has turned yellow, and its derelict state has become a matter of concern for the cultural sector, visitors, and many Indians.

The Ultimatum

In spite of the ultimatum, the court has continued to make efforts to find an amicable resolution to the issue of the Taj Mahal India.  Already, the court has requested an action plan to save the Unesco World Heritage site. In addition, Atmaram Nadkarni, the solicitor general acting on behalf of the environment ministry, recently told the court that a committee led by the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur “will find out the exact source of pollution in and around the Taj”.  However, it will take about four months to gather the analysis.

Efforts to Save Taj Mahal India

To combat the effects of pollution on the landmark, officials from the Archaeology Survey of India are finding ways to resolve the issue. The Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur is also working to find the exact source of pollution in and around the Taj. The Supreme Court has requested an action plan to save the UNESCO World Heritage site. The court says it will monitor the situation on a day-to-day basis starting 31 July to ensure compliance.

The Future of Taj Mahal India

In conclusion, Taj Mahal India’s future is in the hands of the Indian government. Unless the government steps in to restore the monument, it may face the risk of being demolished. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction, the restoration of the Taj Mahal is crucial for India’s tourism industry and cultural heritage.

What are your thoughts on the matter of the Taj Mahal India? Feel free to leave a comment below.