Stains return to Taj as insects breed in polluted Yamuna

Agra: The iconic white marble of Taj Mahal is once again coming under threat from environmental degradation as green and black stains have reappeared on its northern facade, driven by severe pollution in the adjacent Yamuna River. Swarms of non-biting midges, identified as Goeldichironomus, are breeding rapidly in the river’s stagnant, sewage-laden waters.

The insects are settling on the historic structure’s river-facing walls, leaving behind unsightly droppings on the delicate marble and red sandstone. According to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials, the infestation has affected the northern marble walls running along the river, the intricate lattice screens and arches of rooms on the Chameli Farsh (the elevated platform featuring floral marble designs set in red sandstone), and the marble bases of the monument’s protective steel railings.

ASI experts noted that these insect populations surge twice a year—during the post-monsoon period in Oct and during peak summer in April. During these months, Yamuna’s water level drops drastically, water flow slows to a crawl, and organic pollutant concentrations peak.“The insects thrive in heavily polluted water and silt.

Since they cannot fly very high, their impact is largely confined to the Chameli Farsh and areas slightly above it,” an ASI official said. Smita Kumar, ASI superintending archaeologist, confirmed that the agency’s chemical science branch has been directed to treat and restore the discoloured surfaces.

“The problem has occurred in the past as well because of pollution. The science branch will take steps to clean the affected surfaces,” Kumar said.

However, conservationists and ASI staff caution that surface cleaning treats only the symptoms, not the root cause. “Unless the Yamuna is cleaned and these insects are eradicated with a regular flow of clean water, these spots will continue to reappear,” another ASI official warned.

“We cannot initiate action outside the Taj. We have already submitted a report to the district authorities emphasizing the urgent need to desilt the river and increase water flow, but nothing has been done so far.”The issue of insect deposits damaging the 17th-century UNESCO World Heritage site first made headlines in 2016, sparking litigation before National Green Tribunal (NGT).

While NGT previously ordered silt removal near Dashahara Ghat and set up a five-member committee to oversee drain-tapping and river maintenance, environmentalists argue that enforcement has lapsed. Local activist Sharad Gupta alleged that key waste channels—including the Mantola drain, Bhairo drain, and a drain near the Taj tannery—continue to discharge raw sewage and industrial effluent directly into Yamuna.

“Officials are making false claims about drain tapping, while the pollution continues to damage the Taj Mahal,” Gupta stated. Without immediate intervention to restore ecological flow to Yamuna, experts fear the recurring infestation will cause long-term aesthetic and physical harm to India’s premier national monument.

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Key quotes

• “The insects thrive in heavily polluted water and silt. Since they cannot fly very high, their impact is largely confined to the Chameli Farsh and areas slightly above it,”

• “The problem has occurred in the past as well because of pollution. The science branch will take steps to clean the affected surfaces,”

• “Unless the Yamuna is cleaned and these insects are eradicated with a regular flow of clean water, these spots will continue to reappear,”

• “We cannot initiate action outside the Taj. We have already submitted a report to the district authorities emphasizing the urgent need to desilt the river and increase water flow, but nothing has been done so far.”

• “Officials are making false claims about drain tapping, while the pollution continues to damage the Taj Mahal,”