Dying Yamuna River Turning Parts Of Taj Mahal Green, Again

Parts of Taj Mahal are turning green again due to the presence of an insect species called The Chironomus Calligraphus in the dying Yamuna River.

Parts of the Taj Mahal’s pearly-white exterior are turning green, yet again this summer. According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the culprit is an insect species that is depositing its droppings on the historical monument’s marble surface.

ASI Superintending Archaeologist Raj Kumar Patel told ThePrint that this is a “minor issue that can be easily resolved with some water and cotton”. But environmentalists have raised concerns about what they say is the root cause of the problem: the sewage-filled waters of the Yamuna — on whose banks the mausoleum is located — which is the insects’ breeding ground.

Attributing the greenish spots on the Taj’s surface to the accumulation of excreta of the Chironomus Calligraphus (Goeldichironomus) insect species, the ASI claimed that there was no immediate solution ...

Limited Time

Full Access

$10
Monthly

Included:

  • Access to All Articles.
  • One Plan. No Tiers.
  • No Ads.
  • Cancel anytime.
register now

 
Do you have a tip or sensitive material to share with GGI? Are you a journalist, researcher or independent blogger and want to write for us? You can reach us at [email protected].