Conservation work underway at Taj Mahal

Agra, Feb 22 (ANI): The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has embarked on a conservation plan to restore the beauty of Taj Mahal.

Cracks had become visible on the walls of the monument raising concerns over the structural safety.

Experts said that due to the low water level in the Yamuna river the water-borne foundation of the Taj was drying up. They also said that lack of Yamuna water is leading to cracks in the stones and the pollution level in Agra affected the monument the most.

"All the monuments come under the category of conservation. Since these are very old monuments, thus restoration work keeps on happening. At present, we have taken lot of restoration work of Taj Mahal. It mainly includes restoration of main dome of the monument where some 'pointing' work was hampered due to water leakage, and now it's almost complete. The repair work at underground cells, restoration of cracks and approach pathway work is also underway at present," said D.N Dimri, superintendent, ASI.

Tourists did not mind missing an unhindered view of the majestic monument for the sake of posterity.

"I think it's fantastic that the government and bureaucrats are spending time, efforts and money in keeping the Taj looking beautiful and preserving it for future generations," said Raj Gupta, a tourist from United States.

Many historians have raised concerns in the past of the continual lack of water reaching the monument. (ANI)