Air quality around Taj stable: UP to SC
NEWDELHI: The air quality around the iconic Taj Mahal has stabilised though it has not improved in the past 14 years, reveals Uttar Pradesh government’s latest data on pollution figures in Agra.
UP tourism provided the data to the Supreme Court after it was rebuked last week for not placing a comprehensive plan related to Taj Mahal’s conservation.
The department claimed in its affidavit that the yearly average of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was steady and in accordance with the notified ambient air quality standards. The data was collected at four air quality monitoring stations - Taj Mahal, Itimad-ud-Daula, Ram Bagh and industrial area Nunihai.
In Nunihai, NO2 was more than the prescribed standard, admitted the department. SO2 and NO2 are air pollutants and contribute to secondary particulate matter. In Agra, this had led to acid rain that reacted with the marble of the Taj Mahal, causing damage to one of the world’s seven wonders. In 1996, the top court had cracked down on the industries emitting toxic gases in and around Agra and ordered their closure. Since then, the apex court has been monitoring the preservation of the Mughalera monument.
Even though there has not been a spike in SO2 and NO2 levels, the PM 10 quantity continues to be at least three times the average level. While PM 10 should be 60 microgramme per cubic metre, it hovers between 150 and 240 at all the four sites.
However, the government said the increase in PM 10 had been slow compared to the manifold increase in pollution sources such as increase in vehicles and other commercial activity.
The government maintains it has taken concrete steps to conserve Taj. As part of its comprehensive plan it proposes to construct four new sewage treatment plants (STP) in Agra. Eight STPs are already operational in the district.
The new units will make it possible to check the dirty water coming out of the drains in Yamuna. There is also a proposal to establish 6 new CNG stations, which on completion would take up the number of such outlets to 15.