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UPSC Prelims 1984 · Environment · Pollution Files
Taj Mahal is reported to be in danger because of
- (a) Water pollution in Jamuna
- (b) Stealing of marble bricks
- (c) Decay of marble due to its age factor
- (d) Air pollution due to nearby industries
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (d) Air pollution due to nearby industries
SO₂ and NOₓ from the Mathura refinery and local industries cause acid rain and “marble cancer”.
The idea
The Mathura refinery, which began working in 1982, lies about 40 km from Agra, and the city also had iron foundries and other coal-burning units. Their sulphur dioxide formed acid that attacks marble. This was the public concern when the question was asked in 1984.
Refinery and foundries burn sulphur-bearing fuel → Sulphur dioxide in the air → Acid forms on the damp marble surface → Marble (calcium carbonate) → gypsum → Surface yellows and flakes
Why the others are wrong
(a) The Yamuna is polluted, but it is not what damages the marble.
(c) Marble is durable; age is not the danger.
Also know
Later the Supreme Court ordered pollution controls in the existing Taj Trapezium Zone (1996), making industries there switch from coal to gas or move out. Today soot and dust particles are the main cause of the yellowing, and the Archaeological Survey cleans the marble with a clay pack.
🔒 Taj: acid rain + particulates; Taj Trapezium Zone (SC, 1996).