SC expresses concern over change in color of Taj Mahal
What's the story
The Supreme Court today expressed concern over the change of color of the iconic Taj Mahal at Agra and said the monument had become yellowish earlier and was now turning brownish and greenish. The apex court suggested that the Centre take the assistance of experts from India and abroad to first assess the damage and then take steps to restore the historic monument.
Context
Why the colour of Taj Mahal has changed, asked petitioner
The apex court perused the photographs placed before it by petitioner MC Mehta and asked Additional Solicitor General Nadkarni, who was representing the government, as to why the color of Taj Mahal has changed. "First it was yellow and now it is becoming brown and green," the bench observed. Management of Taj Mahal has to be done by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Information
Mehta has filed the plea seeking protection of Taj Mahal
Environmentalist Mehta filed the plea seeking protection of Taj Mahal from the ill-effects of polluting gases and deforestation in and around the area. The SC has been monitoring developments in the area to protect the historic monument. The mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Statement
You can call experts from outside India says SC
"We don't know whether you have or perhaps don't have the expertise. Even if you have the expertise, you are not utilizing it. Or perhaps you don't care," a bench comprising Justices MB Lokur and Deepak Gupta said. "Perhaps we need some expert organization from outside India unless there is a decision that the Taj has to go," the SC bench said sarcastically.