AGRA: Even as the Taj Mahal is turning yellow due to the surrounding pollution, restoration work at the 17th century monument has left a visiting parliamentary standing committee on environment (PSC) team quite shocked.

When the 16-member team headed by Rajya Sabha MP Ashwani Kumar conducted an inspection of the Taj on Saturday, they found black spots on four minarets, forcing them to order the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to seek international expertise and to immediately remove the spots.

The committee's visit was done in the wake of a recent India-US study which revealed that carbon particles from diesel vehicles along with burning biomass are causing the Taj to slowly turn yellow.

The committee also criticized the local administration for failing in its duty to curb pollution in the Yamuna. It expressed grave concern over untreated water flowing directly into the river.

Kumar said, "We are not satisfied with the quality of restoration work that is being claimed to have been done for the Taj. ASI officials have assured us that whatever remains to be done will be done urgently. We have expressed our concern and told them if they need international expertise in restoration work they should go for it. They have been further directed to formulate a comprehensive restoration plan and implement it in a time-bound manner."

The MP added, "We were told that restoration work is done over a span of several months and years, therefore there is no uniformity in the quality of workmanship. Recognizing this, ASI has now told us that a comprehensive restoration plan on a micro scale will be made to bridge the loopholes. International experts could be invited here. France, Italy and the UK have great expertise in restoration work."

Expressing concern over sewage water and industrial wastes directly flowing into the Yamuna, the committee directed the Uttar Pradesh pollution control board to increase the capacity of under-performing effluent treatment plants and repair those which are not working.

"Yamuna has turned into a nullah. Washing of cattle should be immediately stopped, besides putting an end to sewage water and other wastes going into the river," Kumar said.

The ASI has been given the responsibility to ensure that pollution on Yamuna banks near Taj is controlled, while the district administration has been asked to conduct an afforestation drive in 11km-radius of the 17th century monument.

The committee blames the mess on a lack of coordination among various government departments. "There is confusion regarding which department has what responsibilities. There are also problems related to resource allocation. We will mention all these issues in our report," Kumar said. "The committee has directed them to ensure that implementation of laws are not limited on paper. The administration has been asked to submit a status report on steps taken to curb pollution every three months to PSC."

A recent study by IIT-Kanpur in collaboration with two American universities had revealed that carbon particles from diesel vehicles along with burning biomass are causing the Taj to yellow.

Taking cognizance of the report, the committee had sought an explanation from Agra divisional commissioner Pradeep Bhatnagar in January on the steps taken to curb air pollution.

Subsequently, in a series of moves aimed at stemming the yellowing of the Taj Mahal, the Agra district administration ordered almost 4,000 diesel-run mini pick-up trucks and auto-rickshaws operating in the city to convert to CNG by July this year.

It also banned with immediate effect the burning of cow dung cakes within city limits. Further, the Agra Municipal Corporation was instructed to impose a fine of Rs 500 on those found burning garbage in the open.