Taj Mahal battles for survival

The scorching summer heat is taking its toll on the Taj Mahal, the timeless monument of love, blasted by sand from the dry Yamuna bed and the dust-laden winds from the Rajasthan desert.

However, conservationists say that the crisis the Taj confronts comes not merely from nature and pollution but also from people themselves — too many tourists and too many vehicles that bring them to Agra.

The Taj Mahal has now degenerated into just another popular tourist spot, according a historian.

Many tourists are genuinely aware of the historic significance of the monument and its great heritage value, there are others who care nothing for the sanctity of the Taj.

The human-load is increasing every year and is taking its toll. Last year more than four million people visited the Taj. The entry is free for children below 15 years.

During the annual Urs of emperor Shah Jahan, the entry is free for three days and the number exceeds 50,000 daily. Almost  like other spiritual journey to a shrine. But the mausoleum must have been originally designed for 50 or 100 visitors a day.