Midges make Taj Mahal look shabby, leaving greasy-green spots

Agra: The Government of India might have put cleaning of rivers at the top of its agenda but the day-to-day increasing pollution in Yamuna River is apparently not sparing the epitome of Love – Taj Mahal – in Agra city of Uttar Pradesh. The pollution in the river gives rise to an insect called ‘Chironomus’ which leaves ‘green colour spots’ by its faecal matter.

Too many of Chironomus are painting the stones of the historical monument with a greasy-green colour, leaving a shabby look to one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

“The faecal matter discharged by these midges is not hard to clean, however, something that can cause harm to the monument’s stones is frequent washing of them,” said a highly placed source.

Highlights:

• Chironomous are also found in countries like America, Japan, Canada, and Australia.
• Experts believe that these midges, if not suppressed, can ruin the allure of the monument.