Taj Mahal Disappears in Smog as Air Pollution in Agra Surges

A dense smog has nearly hidden the iconic Taj Mahal from view, as rising air pollution blankets Agra and much of northern India. With worsening air quality, tourists and residents face poor visibility and health concerns, highlighting a growing environmental crisis in the region.

Taj Mahal Nearly Invisible Amid Rising Pollution

Agra’s famed Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic monuments in the world, vanished behind a thick layer of smog on Thursday, as rising pollution levels drastically reduced visibility. The hazy scene left visitors disappointed, with many snapping photos of the Taj Mahal almost invisible against the dense fog. Agra’s air quality index (AQI) hit 193 on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) scale, categorizing it as ‘moderate’. However, this smoggy blanket blurred the architectural marvel, underscoring the health risks that come with deteriorating air quality in India’s northern regions.

The spike in pollutants has been attributed primarily to high levels of PM 2.5 particles, one of the most harmful air pollutants, and a significant increase in moisture levels. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Agra's minimum temperature on Thursday was 17 degrees Celsius, with highs expected to reach 30 degrees Celsius. Forecasts predict continued fog or mist for several days, with dense fog likely persisting until Monday, affecting both residents and the throngs of tourists who journey here from around the globe to catch a glimpse of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Delhi Faces 'Severe' Pollution Levels as Fog and Smog Persist

Stubble burning in neighboring areas has also worsened air quality, causing PM 2.5 levels to rise and blanketing regions like Agra and Delhi in smog. This phenomenon has impacted Delhi even more severely, with some areas recording AQI levels as high as 466 – classified as ‘severe’ – since Wednesday. In response, the Delhi airport has introduced low-visibility protocols, with authorities advising passengers to stay updated on flight schedules.

Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, acknowledged the poor conditions and expressed hope that weather changes in the coming days might bring some relief. Meanwhile, tourists visiting the Taj Mahal, who often plan their trips well in advance to experience the monument’s beauty, are finding themselves surrounded by a thick haze rather than the iconic views they had envisioned.

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Tourism Impacted as North India’s Air Quality Worsens

With winter approaching, residents and tourists alike are left grappling with the intensifying pollution levels across northern India, raising urgent questions about air quality and public health as they await clearer skies.