Threats for Taj mahal

What is the issue?

Recently Uttar Pradesh government neglected Taj mahal from its tourism brochure, this move could hurt India’s tourism industry.

What are the significance of Taj mahal?

• The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1631, which acts as a global cultural exporter.
• Over the centuries, the Taj Mahal has been an enduring message of love and peace.
• The Taj Mahal stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four corners truncated to form an unequal octagon.
• It employs the principles of self-replicating geometry and symmetry of architectural elements and is regarded as the most exquisite monument built by the Mughals.
• To preserve the monument conservation efforts are carried out by the ASI, including mud-pack therapy to treat paleness of its white marble.
• The Taj Mahal and Agra accounted for the maximum number of tourists, who form the backbone of the small and medium businesses built around tourism in and around Agra. 

What is the decision of U.P government on Taj mahal?

• Uttar Pradesh tourism department, recently decided to drop the Taj from its publicity brochure.
• The top echelons of the state bureaucracy justified the step by stating the booklet was to promote the lesser known tourist destinations of the state.
• Since Agra and the Taj Mahal were already recognised and established tourist destinations, these were omitted from the list.
• The omission not only made the booklet bereft of the state’s most precious jewel, but set off a wave of acerbic criticism against the U.P government.

What are the opinions on U.P government’ move?

• Many saw the move as a deliberate attempt to undermine the state’s Muslim heritage.
• Critics argued that the state government is trying to promoting Hindu pilgrimage sites at the cost of other monuments.
• The country’s leisure tourism industry is centred on the Taj Mahal and its exclusion would do more harm than good to the state’s tourism industry.
• Tourism experts say the state has failed to exploit the full potential of Agra as a tourist destination.

What are the other troubles Taj mahal is facing? 

• Agra has lack of infrastructure in terms of roads and civic amenities, and the Taj Mahal itself has been plagued by troubles.
• The Yamuna, on whose banks it is located, has become a dumping ground for waste and air pollution is blackening its pristine white marble.
• The proposal sought by union government to cut 400 trees around Taj mahal to make way for a railway track between Mathura and Delhi, was a threat.
• SC had likened the proposal for cutting trees to seeking permission to destroy the Taj Mahal.
• The danger posed to the Taj Mahal from pollution, the vagaries of nature and tourists has even attracted the attention of Parliament.
• The standing committee on environment taking note of the phenomenon and directing remedial measures.

Source: Business Standard