The Supreme Courttoday expressed concern over the change of colour of the iconic TajMahalat Agraand said the monument had become yellowish earlier and was now turning brownish and greenish.
The apex court suggested that the Centre take the assistance of experts from Indiaand abroad to first assess the damage and then take steps to restore the historic monument.
"We don't know whether you have or perhaps don't have the expertise. Even if you have the expertise, you are not utilising it. Or perhaps you don't care," a bench comprising Justices M B Lokur and Deepak Guptasaid.
"Perhaps we need some expert organisation from outside Indiaunless there is a decision that the Tajhas to go," the bench said sarcastically, adding, "you can get experts from Indiaas well as from outside."
The apex court perused the photographs placed before it by petitioner M C Mehta and asked Additional Solicitor GeneralA N S Nadkarni, who was representing the government, as to why the colour of TajMahalhas changed.
"First it was yellow and now it is becoming brown and green," the bench observed.
Nadkarnitold the bench that the management of TajMahalhas to be done by the Archaeological Survey of India
The apex court fixed the matter for further hearing on May 9.
Environmentalist Mehta has filed the plea seeking protection of the Tajfrom the ill-effects of polluting gases and deforestation in and around the area.
The top court has been monitoring developments in the area to protect the historic monument, built by Mughal EmperorShah Jahanin the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahalin 1631. The mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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