AGRA: After Supreme Court’s rap on ASI ’s failure to protect Taj Mahal , the Union environment ministry has decided to form advisory committees for “environment” protection of monuments across India that are of national importance. A 11-member committee will also be formed for Taj.

These committees will comprise of people who are concerned about their respective cities and are environmentally conscious. This was announced by union cultural and environment minister Mahesh Sharma here on Sunday during a workshop of stakeholders on issues related to pollution around Taj Mahal.

“We are forming an 11-member committee for Taj Mahal, which will have industrialists, social workers and journalists on board, he said, adding that the opinion of the committee will help the administration to look into various issues.

“Whatever suggestions are being given at this workshop will be recorded and documented so that no one passes on the buck." Sharma added.

Chairman of Central Pollution Control Board ( CPCB ), SPS Parihar , who was also present at the meeting said that particulate matter in Agra is higher than the standard limits. “Short-term study is being conducted by IIT-Kanpur to know that what pollutants impact Taj”, he said, adding that the results are expected in September 2018.

