Where is Taj Mahal? It disappears behind smog as Agra air pollution rises

The UNESCO world heritage monument is barely visible due to smog covering the region due to pollution levels

Published on: Nov 14, 2024, 14:51:34 IST

By HT News Desk

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A dense smog blanketed the Taj Mahal in Agra on Thursday as pollution levels surged, obscuring the iconic monument from view. Tourists captured visuals showing the Taj Mahal nearly invisible behind the haze.

The world heritage site has disappeared behind a layer of smog due to rising air pollution (@Komal_Indian/X)

Visitors were seen approaching the monument with minimal visibility ahead, NDTV reported.

Also Read: Delhi air pollution: AQI ‘severe’ again; thick smog reduces visibility. Schools to be closed soon?

According to Central Pollution of Control Board (CPCB) data, the air quality index in Agra is 193, making it ‘moderate’. IQAir has noted that pollutant PM 2.5 is prevalent in the air and moisture levels have also increased leading to the heavy smog.

Also Read: Delhi Airport issues advisory as thick smog engulfs city, AQI turns ‘severe’

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Agra's minimum temperature is 17 degrees Celsius, with the maximum expected to reach around 30 degrees Celsius. According to the IMD's bulletin, fog or mist is expected to occur on Thursday, with dense fog likely to persist until Monday.

Also Read: CEO slams people for not wearing masks amid rising AQI in Delhi-NCR

Due to increasing incidents of stubble burning, air pollution in the region has worsened. On November 10, even with a satisfactory level of air quality, a dense haze over the Taj Mahal caused visibility issues for those visiting the Taj Mahal, reported news agency ANI.

Delhi, has also been suffering due to increasing air pollution, with smog being a major issue in the city. According to CPCB data, Delhi's AQI is in the 'severe' category since Wednesday, with some areas clocking 466 on the scale.

The Delhi environment minister, Gopal Rai, stated that the weather is likely to improve in the coming days.

Delhi airport has announced that though flight operations are normal for now, low visibility procedures have been put in place. Passengers have been advised to keep an eye on their flight information.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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