Indian SC steps in to save Taj Mahal

After the reports emerged in the media about the deteriorating condition of the Taj Mahal, the Supreme Court directed the federal and the provincial government to take adequate and prompt action with an aim to protect the great monument.Lawmaker Ram Shankar Katheria demanded detailed investigation into the matter to ensure that the precious monument does not collapse. He also urged the provincial authorities to dismantle the park constructed by the Archaeological Survey of India, which obstructs the flow of water to the structure.I am talking to the press about a very serious issue today. The Supreme Court has sent notices to provincial as well as federal government to protect Taj Mahal, since it is in grave danger. When Taj Mahal was constructed, the river Yamuna was not dry and there was plenty of rainfall. Today, the Yamuna has gone dry. The wood beneath the wells has dried up, since Yamuna has no water, which is why Taj Mahal is in danger. It might collapse anytime, no one knows anything, said Katheria.The monuments foundation has been disintegrating and the wood used in the wells has started to break apart. Reports surfaced that the Taj Mahal, which is built on the banks of the river Yamuna, is in grave danger as the river has dried to a great extent.According to a report, a minimum level of water is vital to maintain the enormous structure, which supports a complex network of wells, arches and wooden wheels. Cracks appeared last year in parts of the tomb, and the four minarets, which surround the monument.Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who was grief-stricken by the death of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.