NEW DELHI: India’s top court on Tuesday sharply criticised the government for failing to protect the Taj Mahal, the centuries-old monument to love which has been changing colour because of pollution.

The brilliant marble of the Taj Mahal — a Unesco world heritage site — has acquired a yellow tinge over the years.

The colour of the marble “was first becoming yellow. Now it seems to be green and black,” a Supreme Court bench said after reviewing recent photos of the monument. The Taj Mahal has been slowly yellowing be­cause of smog in the region.

Insects also leave green stains on its rear wall, which faces the heavily-polluted Yamuna River.

Various methods — including using mudpacks to draw the stain from the marble — have been employed since conservationists first raised alarm about the decay. Authorities also announced plans earlier this year to limit the number of visitors to reduce wear and tear.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2018