Fifty years ago | Protection of Taj from damage by effluents
A 1974 report details efforts by the Indian Oil Corporation to protect the Taj Mahal from sulfur dioxide emissions caused by the Mathura refinery. An Italian firm was hired to conduct environmental studies to determine safe pollution levels for the historic monument.
Why it matters
This historical piece illustrates the early intersection of industrial development and environmental conservation efforts regarding world heritage sites.
New Delhi, August 23: A series of measures, including a detailed study by an Italian firm are under way to protect the Taj in Agra from possible damage by the effluents of the Mathura refinery.
The services of the Italian firm have been obtained by the Indian Oil Corporation for establishing the concentration of effluents under various meteorological conditions at different distances from the refinery and determining the concentration permissible from the point of view of preservation of monuments.
The firm Tecneco, a subsidiary of the ENI group, will calculate the ground level concentration of effluents, particularly sulphur dioxide, in the region on account of emission from the refinery, determine the existing level of pollution in Agra, examine the present state of preservation of the monuments and determine the permissible concentration of effluents.
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