Table of contents:
Video: The Majestic Taj Mahal: The Threat Looming Over India's Most Famous Landmark
2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55
The majestic Taj Mahal, one of the most famous landmarks in India, has attracted numerous tourists for many years. Built in the 17th century, the architectural monument, which has become a symbol of true feelings, may soon be demolished by the decision of the Supreme Court of India.
State of the Taj Mahal
The once snow-white, dazzling Taj Mahal may be razed to the ground due to its deplorable state. A few years ago, the question was raised that the mausoleum is being destroyed due to environmental pollution. However, today the problem of the state of the monument included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites requires an immediate solution.
In the spring of 2018, an environmental activist, concerned about the appearance and general condition of the Taj Mahal, petitioned the Supreme Court of India. An amazing object is visited daily by thousands of people, and no one is involved in maintaining it in a normal state.
Over the past three decades, snow-white marble has not only turned yellow, it has become covered with brown spots and a layer of mildew. This is due to air pollution by industry and household products. Another reason for the color change of the monument is insects. The nearby Jamna River is simply clogged with garbage; flies and mosquitoes breed in it, staining the marble with their secretions.
Ways to solve the problem
The court was categorical. Addressing the state government, the judge said that they have only three ways to solve the problem: close the Taj Mahal, demolish it or rebuild it. For in its present form, the monument has become not a hallmark of the country, but its shame.
An analogy was drawn between the Taj Mahal and the Eiffel Tower, which is visited by about 80 million people annually. At the same time, the Indian landmark is undoubtedly more beautiful and more attractive for tourists. However, criminal negligence, as a result of which damage to one of the new seven wonders of the world was allowed, works against profit from visiting the mausoleum.
The court also announced its intention to constantly hear from July 31 the results of the study of the problem by the Indian Institute of Technology, which must find ways to bring the Taj Mahal into proper condition.
Controversy around a unique architectural monument
At the same time, since the spring of 2018, a search has been underway for specialists who can help stop the destruction of the unique structure. The Supreme Court of India believes that local scientists lack the experience to carry out restoration work of this magnitude.
Some patriotic members of the public consider it unacceptable to attract foreign specialists. However, there have already been precedents when, with the help of the UNESCO program, a monument is included in the list of World Heritage sites in danger. Then, together with statesmen, actions can be taken to save the architectural monument.
Based on the experience of rescuing other objects, there is already a functioning mechanism for forming a group of international experts with the participation of the national government and involving local experts and craftsmen.
Paul Rappoport, director of Heritage21 in Sydney, believes that damage to the Taj Mahal can be stopped by applying a special substance to the facade of the building. This is a temporary measure, but it can be taken until the complete reconstruction of the structure.
Earlier, the government proposed the option of transferring the mausoleum and the area around it into the hands of a private company that will monitor its condition, improve the surrounding areas, and clean the river. However, this solution has caused a rather tough opposition. Opponents of this decision argue that the Taj Mahal is a national treasure and should belong to the people.
Anyway, the Supreme Court of India is very serious. And I am ready, in the absence of action on the part of the government, to make the most unpopular decision: first about a complete closure for tourists, and then about the demolition of the Taj Mahal.
In turn, the authorities declare their readiness to restore the original appearance of the mausoleum, which has no analogues in the world.
The Taj Mahal is called a monument of eternal love and fidelity, one of the most magnificent structures in the world and the Mausoleum was built in the 17th century. Padishah of the Mughal Empire Jahan in memory of his deceased wife.
Recommended:
Underwater Chernobyls: Sunken nuclear submarines, which today pose a threat to the world's oceans
Until the middle of the 20th century, 2 types of power plants were used in all submarines. For movement on the surface, submarines used powerful diesel engines, and for underwater navigation - electric traction from batteries. Thus, the reserve of autonomy of the submarines was severely limited. Everything changed in 1954. It was in this year that the United States built the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, Nautilus. Very soon - just 3 years later, a nuclear-powered submarine appeared at the Soviet
Black and white photographs of the Taj Mahal by Josef Hoflehner
Taj Mahal is the most famous architectural landmark, “the pearl of Muslim art in India”, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Austrian photographer Josef Hoflehner presented a series of black and white photographs showing this mosque in a completely different way than in most advertising brochures
The majestic mountain landscapes of the artist who fell in love with the Caucasus and painted over 1000 paintings
Many viewers, at the moment of contemplating the majestic mountain landscapes of the Stavropol artist Alexander Babich, probably come to mind the lines from the famous song of Vladimir Vysotsky - "… only mountains can be better than mountains - those that have never been before." Indeed, looking at the paintings of the painter, you can fall in love with the mountains, and even if you have never seen them with your own eyes in your life. In our publication we bring to your attention a stunning gallery of works by a modern painter dedicated to
Taj Mahal from an unusual perspective: black and white photographs of Tamer Al-Tassan
Amateur photographer Tamer Al-Tassan is 30 years old, he was born in Saudi Arabia, was educated in the United States, where he stayed to live. An emigrant IT specialist became interested in photography almost by accident. Just 7 years ago, he began to take the first pictures, learning only from his mistakes. Love for architecture and travel bore fruit after just 5 years, when Tamer Al-Tassan was recognized as the best, so to speak, itinerant photographer, according to the magazine "Digital Photographer". Black and white
Vidocq: How France's Most Reckless Criminal Became a Threat to the Underworld and an Investigation Legend
In one such short human life, Eugene François Vidocq managed to become a legend of the underworld, legendary police officer, author of essays in the field of forensic science and founder of the world's first detective agency. The time was like this in France: unexpected turns for the country turned into unexpected turns in the fate of ordinary citizens