Thunder showers cool Taj city




Agra June 23:



A 20-minute drizzle accompanied with gusty winds, brought some respite to heat-oppressed Taj city folks.



"Clouds came with thunder and lightning. For a moment we thought they would go away without blessing us, but soon there was a downpour around 8pm, which brought the temperature down," said Sudhir Gupta of Vijay Nagar colony.

Lights went off in most areas, but the interruption was brief, said Manoj, a shopkeeper who was about to down his shutters for the day, when the weather suddenly surprised him.

The Taj city has been battling with water shortages and erratic power supply for the last fortnight, leading to agitations and road jams.

Thousands of pilgrims returning from the Ajmer Urs, camping at Kothi Meena Bazar ground, heaved a sigh of relief, as the evening turned pleasant.

is taj mahal safe?

Has Agra lost the war against environmental pollution????


IS TAJ MAHAL SAFE ?





Agra June 4: Two decades of fire-fighting operations at the intervention of the Supreme Court, to insulate the Taj Mahal, a world heritage monument, questions continue to be asked whether the environment in the Taj Trapezium Zone has really improved and if the Taj Mahal is safe from air pollution.



Tourists visiting the Taj continue to ask guides if the original shine of the white marble mausoleum is intact, or has the Taj turned yellow. And those who dare look at the river Yamuna at the rear of the Taj, need no answers. The ugly Taj Corridor and the stinking Yamuna are a grim reminder that the reality hasn't changed much, though thousand crores of rupees have been squandered away on fancy promises. Another Rs 50 odd crores are being spent now to beautify Agra for the October Commonwealth Games.



But the official point of view on the pollution front is that there has been a remarkable change in every sphere with positive results. Dr BB Awasthi, regional officer of the UP Pollution Control Board told IANS "the air quality has improved, the SPM level has come down from around 900 in 2000 to 300 micrograms per cubic metre, a 67 percent reduction, though the NOx level is still high due to use of diesel generators on a big scale and increasing number of vehicles on the road. Traffic management and better condition of roads has helped reduce air pollution. Daily 35,000 kilograms of CNG are being consumed as clean fuel by the autos, buses and other vehicles instead of diesel. Availability of clean fuel will increase in days to come when we will have ten CNG stations. Right now we have only three. The Sulphur dioxide is within limits. All parameters of air pollution look safe and ok."



The Mathura Refinery which had been cited as the original villain has taken appropriate measures to keep the pollution level in check. The dense green cover insulates the refinery and filters the air before it escapes into the ambient air, and all pollution control systems are in place, assures DGM Vijay.



The Supreme Court in December 1993 while disposing of the MC Mehta PIL had directed polluting industries in the Taj Trapezium to shift or switch over to natural gas. This move alone has helped drastically bring down the air pollution level. The apex court wanted cooking gas made available to all citizens of the city. This mission has largely been accomplished and gas connections are available for the asking, say the IOC officials.



A significant change has been the introduction of Marco Polo buses which are gradually replacing the auto-rikshaws as a mode of commuting within the city. "No longer does one feel choked or suffocated at the road crossings like the Bhagwan Talkies or the Shah Ganj crossing," says Rajeev Gupta, a businessman.



Greening efforts in the past few years have also started yielding results, as the horticulture department and the Forest division are playing a more proactive role by involving the citizens, the students and the green activists. "The area around the Taj Mahal is now fully green and we are constantly trying to expand the green cover," say the forest department officials.



Pathetic, say the citizens of Agra when one confronts them with the question "has life in Agra become better after the Supreme Court intervention?" Senior citizen Surendra Sharma, president of the Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society, point to the heaps of garbage piling up ubiquitously, perpetually jammed traffic on the roads, the choked sewer lines and the over-flowing nullahs, the high-rise buildings coming up just everywhere, most without sewer connections and treatment plants. "The air is foul and stinking, the water of the river is contagious, not fit to even touch, the roads are barren of green cover, the noise pollution level has gone up several folds, the illegal encroachments eating up all vacant spaces, they are even encroaching upon the green belt," Sharma presents his list of failures.



Mughal historian R Nath feels a lot has to be done to save the monuments. "India's top architectural attraction as also the biggest revenue earner the Taj Mahal has not received the care worthy of its status. The rear of the mausoleum is totally exposed to the elements. If in the coming years the tilt of the minarets increases or the mausoleum itself shows signs of sinking or stress, it should not come as a surprise as the original physical settings of the whole area have been tampered with and the ecological balance disturbed beyond redemption," warns Mughal historian R Nath. "If you look at the old photographs and original drawings you will find the river full and flowing close to the foundation. The surroundings were lush green. The backdrop was picturesque.The river water had the capacity to absorb any amount of pollution in the air. What now?" asks R Nath.

The whole of Braj Mandal which once had numerous mangroves and a dozen dense forests is now under stress of urbanisation. The stone mafia despite ban on mining in the Aravalis, as also in areas bordering Fatehpur Sikri continues its operations clandestinely. The gaps in the Aravalis right from Delhi's Dhaula Kuan area to North Gujarat, have allowed hot dust-laden winds to assault the Agra region. "This is a serious ecological problem which needs urgent attention," says Vineet Narain of the Braj Foundation. According to Dr Manju Mehta "there is mention of 137 groves associated with the pastimes of Radha and Krishna in Braj. Only three have survived the onslaught of human negligence.



The mining for stones has left gaping holes for dusty winds to hit monuments like the Taj Mahal working as sand paper to roughen the surface of the fragile white monument. "Citizens of the area must be mobilised and sensitised to the new dangers. Our heritage, the river, the forests and our very existence is in danger," says Father John Farreira, an educationist. ENDS

taj mahal a victim of heat and dust

taj mahal hit by dust

with temperature recording new high, the dusty Agra weather is proving a hazazrd to the white marble monument.
the dry yamuna bed and the westerlies blowing across the city from the neighbouring Rajasthan district, have enveloped the historical monuments of Agra in a thick blanket of dust which is also roughing the surface of the stones, creating pox like marks.
efforts to clean the river have failed, and so have a series of initiatives to green the western periphery of the city.
if the monument has to be saved for posterity, the green cover around Agra must increase and the river filled with water round the year, say environmentalists

agratoday.in to give complete info on taj city

It is a great pleasure to present you this new version of our news website for the whole of Braj Mandal, Agratoday.in, more attractive and user- friendly than the earlier version.




When we launched Agralive.in three years ago, it became a kind of trend setter. The rechristened Agratoday.in has surprised us with a committed following and continuous feedback from our visitors, clients and patrons who have found the platform useful and unique.







Indeed in terms of sharing ideas, opinions and information Agratoday.in has scored quite a few successes. On several occasions breaking news stories much in demand these days, have been widely appreciated.







Many of you may have participated in the end of the year unique poll for the most popular personality of Agra. The tremendous response through emails and SMSs helped popularize the site, which now is poised for a make-over to attract the younger set. Many new features are being added. We would however continue to evolve and rediscover ourselves in this process of up-gradation. So if you have any ideas please let us know.







My colleague Dharmendra Kumar and his team do not want to rest on the laurels and be easily satisfied. He is now keen to take bigger challenges and incorporate some more innovative designing. He promises this will definitely be a very interesting and useful website in days to come. Needless to say, the contents will receive our full attention and we will not shy away from calling a spade a spade where public interest is involved.







The answer to the question why this website? First there are a whole lot of people of Agra origin spread all over the world. They are keen to know what is happening back home. Two, the mainstream newspapers do not always have the time and space for views and information that affect their commercial prospects. Here our website intends filling the gap.







Let me now tell you about the new features that have been incorporated to give it a new look and prove more useful for our valuable fans and users.







Let’s start from the logo. Logo gives the prominent impression of cultural and traditional aspect of Braj region. The identity of Agra, The Taj Mahal and of Mathura-Vrindavan, Lord Krishna and Radha appear on the logo.







For smooth navigation, there are three Menus on site one by one. First is Main Menu, which have Links for various sections as ‘News’, ‘Braj Ke Gaurav’, ‘Students’ Corner’, ‘Just Books’ ‘Editorial’ and ‘Tourism’. Second, the Special Menu, has various columns of famous columnists on various contemporary issues.



The third menu is for the legal and advertisement aspects of the website. It includes ‘About Us’, ‘Advertisement Enquiry’, ‘Privacy Policy’ and ‘Legal Disclaimer’ etc.







On the right panel of the site, there is a ‘Gallery’ which includes ‘Photo Gallery’ and ‘Cartoon Corner’ one by one. Below this, there are ‘Latest News’, ‘Popular’ stories, ‘Information’ and ‘Classifieds’ are given.







On left panel, there is a ‘Search’ field, by which users can search older stories on the website.







In the main body of the website, the top story is being presented with four other stories. Four more stories’ links are also provided at the bottom. Visitors would now be able to rate stories according to their interests and judgments.







Besides it, the story can be seen in PDF format, print can be taken and even one can send the story to friends. Related stories links also would be provided with each story. There would be more features for registered users. If they register themselves at below left panel.







RSS 2.0 version is also available for the visitors. With this service you can get the regular updates on your desktop. Even, you can add this service to your blog or Facebook profile.



A Poll Question has also been added.







Below, you will find information on how many visitors are viewing the site with you.



We have only three advertisement modules to ensure visitors don’t get irritated or inconvenienced. All the advertisements would be shown in these three modules one by one. And, strictly ‘No’ to pop ups.







Now, I would like to share with you how I have been helped by my team mates who have put in a lot of hard work and imagination. I would like to name some of my friends who helped me in launching of this new version. Dharmendra Kumar, of course, leads the team, Sunil Kumar Sirij suggested the layout, color combination and Aarti Verma designed the logo and other banners.







Finally, we are committed to only good taste and we respect the privacy of every individual who needs his own space for self-growth. Whatever is in public interest and of interest to our readers and surfers, will find space on this site.







Your comments are always a source of guidance and inspiration.



Best wishes



BRIJ KHANDELWAL



Editor



Agratoday.in

andhi in agra

HIGH  SPM  LEVEL  AND  WESTERLIES  
BRING   LOTS  OF  DUST  TO  AGRA

dusty winds blowing across the city from the west last night suddenly changed direction, indicating some respite. a big cloud seems to be moving from the east. this could bring in some moisture.

meanwhile the dust in the ambient air of the city doubled from 300 to almost 600 micrograms per cubic metre.

experts have been suggesting for long there should be dense aforestation on the western periphery of the city, but the forest department has been sleeping over these recommendations.

the dry river yamuna is another cause for concern. without water the dust from the river is hitting tourists at the taj mahal which at the moment is enveloped in a thick blanket of dust.

the weather is rough, hot and dusty. those who can postpone their visit to agra, should do that.

introducing www.agratoday.in

It is a great pleasure to present you this new version of our news website for the whole of Braj Mandal, Agratoday.in, more attractive and user- friendly than the earlier version.


When we launched Agralive.in three years ago, it became a kind of trend setter. The rechristened Agratoday.in has surprised us with a committed following and continuous feedback from our visitors, clients and patrons who have found the platform useful and unique.

Indeed in terms of sharing ideas, opinions and information Agratoday.in has scored quite a few successes. On several occasions breaking news stories much in demand these days, have been widely appreciated.

Many of you may have participated in the end of the year unique poll for the most popular personality of Agra. The tremendous response through emails and SMSs helped popularize the site, which now is poised for a make-over to attract the younger set. Many new features are being added. We would however continue to evolve and rediscover ourselves in this process of up-gradation. So if you have any ideas please let us know.

My colleague Dharmendra Kumar and his team do not want to rest on the laurels and be easily satisfied. He is now keen to take bigger challenges and incorporate some more innovative designing. He promises this will definitely be a very interesting and useful website in days to come. Needless to say, the contents will receive our full attention and we will not shy away from calling a spade a spade where public interest is involved.

The answer to the question why this website? First there are a whole lot of people of Agra origin spread all over the world. They are keen to know what is happening back home. Two, the mainstream newspapers do not always have the time and space for views and information that affect their commercial prospects. Here our website intends filling the gap.

Let me now tell you about the new features that have been incorporated to give it a new look and prove more useful for our valuable fans and users.

Let’s start from the logo. Logo gives the prominent impression of cultural and traditional aspect of Braj region. The identity of Agra, The Taj Mahal and of Mathura-Vrindavan, Lord Krishna and Radha appear on the logo.

For smooth navigation, there are three Menus on site one by one. First is Main Menu, which have Links for various sections as ‘News’, ‘Braj Ke Gaurav’, ‘Students’ Corner’, ‘Just Books’ ‘Editorial’ and ‘Tourism’. Second, the Special Menu, has various columns of famous columnists on various contemporary issues.

The third menu is for the legal and advertisement aspects of the website. It includes ‘About Us’, ‘Advertisement Enquiry’, ‘Privacy Policy’ and ‘Legal Disclaimer’ etc.

On the right panel of the site, there is a ‘Gallery’ which includes ‘Photo Gallery’ and ‘Cartoon Corner’ one by one. Below this, there are ‘Latest News’, ‘Popular’ stories, ‘Information’ and ‘Classifieds’ are given.

On left panel, there is a ‘Search’ field, by which users can search older stories on the website.

In the main body of the website, the top story is being presented with four other stories. Four more stories’ links are also provided at the bottom. Visitors would now be able to rate stories according to their interests and judgments.

Besides it, the story can be seen in PDF format, print can be taken and even one can send the story to friends. Related stories links also would be provided with each story. There would be more features for registered users. If they register themselves at below left panel.

RSS 2.0 version is also available for the visitors. With this service you can get the regular updates on your desktop. Even, you can add this service to your blog or Facebook profile.

A Poll Question has also been added.

Below, you will find information on how many visitors are viewing the site with you.

We have only three advertisement modules to ensure visitors don’t get irritated or inconvenienced. All the advertisements would be shown in these three modules one by one. And, strictly ‘No’ to pop ups.

Now, I would like to share with you how I have been helped by my team mates who have put in a lot of hard work and imagination. I would like to name some of my friends who helped me in launching of this new version. Dharmendra Kumar, of course, leads the team, Sunil Kumar Sirij suggested the layout, color combination and Aarti Verma designed the logo and other banners.

Finally, we are committed to only good taste and we respect the privacy of every individual who needs his own space for self-growth. Whatever is in public interest and of interest to our readers and surfers, will find space on this site.

Your comments are always a source of guidance and inspiration.

Best wishes

BRIJ KHANDELWAL

Editor

Agratoday.in

yet no doctor on call at the taj

Yet again, no doctor on call at Taj


Agra, May 20 – An elderly tourist from Karnataka died of a heart attack at the Taj Mahal last week, raising questions as to why the authorities had not been able to provide prompt medical care and why no ambulance was available at the World Heritage monument visited by millions of tourists.
‘He got medical help only after 45 minutes,’ a guide at the Taj Mahal told IANS.

Rakesh Chauhan, president of the Agra Hotels and Restaurants Association, who was present when the tourist suffered a stroke, told IANS: ‘He could have been saved had facilities like an ICU van been available to transport the victim.’

An official at the Taj Mahal told IANS: ‘As of today there is no ambulance or doctor available at the Taj. We have a first aid box.’

‘The issue has to be sorted out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Agra Development Authority (ADA) officials. Ideally there should be an ambulance available at the parking slots,’ the official added.
Earlier also Indian and foreign tourists have suffered injuries, slipping or falling from the staircase. In many cases, there has been critical delay.

Chauhan said he had now offered to provide ambulances with support from charitable organisations in the city, but the ASI and the ADA are not granting permission for the same.

‘Whoever wants to provide an ambulance will need to secure special permission for a petrol-based vehicle, which is not permitted within 500 metres of the Taj,’ the official said.

‘Last year the ASI had announced that a doctor with an ambulance would be permanently stationed at the Taj, but no follow-up action was taken,’ Abhinav Jain, an emporium owner at the Taj Mahal’s eastern gate, recalled.

‘They make so much money from the Taj, but when it comes to providing basic amenities to the tourists the official agencies are seen dragging their feet. For instance, at the height of summer, the Agra Development Authority could easily provide umbrellas, the ASI could spread out carpets all over the stoned pathways, but one notices the callous nonchalance and apathy towards the concerns of tourists,’ Jain said.

Despite the heat the number of tourists at the Taj Mahal has not shown any decline this year. Domestic and foreign tourists are braving the summer in Agra.

‘The temperature Tuesday was close to 47 degrees Celsius and the red sandstones were sizzling hot. Lots of students are visiting the Taj Mahal these days due to summer vacations. We can be sympathetic to their plight, and provide shelters or shamianas (marquees) and a good number of drinking water points,’ said Surendra Sharma, president of the Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society, a voluntary outfit.

Chauhan feels the facilities offered aren’t enough.

‘It is shocking that while the foreign tourists are given disposable shoe covers, Indian tourists are not, as if their feet were made of iron or stones. They can easily provide carpets for the convenience of tourists.’

TAJ CITY TOURISM TAKES A DIP

TAJ CITY HIT BY FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS IN EUROPE

Agra, Apr 23 (ANI): Tourism in Uttar Pradesh's Agra city has been affected by international flight cancellations.

Buzz up!Sunil Gupta, CMD, Travel Bureau said that over 5000 tourists have cancelled their visits and there has been a loss of between Rs. 200 million to Rs. 500 million.

"In our organisation, in around three to four days, more than 40 groups of foreign tourists have been cancelled. The drivers, shopkeepers, hotels all are affected by their cancellations," Gupta added.

Hotels have also been affected tremendously.

"Approximately 500 rooms have been cancelled in April alone in this hotel because of this. And if you talk about the entire city, the other hotels...our members, so I think, around 3000 rooms have been cancelled in April alone. We have also collected this data because whenever there are cancellations, we discuss that why are they cancelling their rooms," said Rajeev Narayan, Vice President of Operations for JP Palace Hotel and Convention Centre. (ANI)

ताज महल को खतरा

Dust, vanishing greenery threaten Taj
By Brij Khandelwal

Agra, April 19 (IANS) The Taj Mahal and other heritage monuments in and around Agra are facing a major threat from dust-laden air. Unabated construction is making the city's green cover disappear and drying up water bodies, adding to the dust levels.
Agra, April 19 (IANS) The Taj Mahal and other heritage monuments in and around Agra are facing a major threat from dust-laden air. Unabated construction is making the city's green cover disappear and drying up water bodies, adding to the dust levels.
'The collision (of the dust with the marble) results in micro-scratches that retain moisture which attracts pollutants and gaseous substances,' said P.C. Gupta, head of the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) chemical department.
The dry westerlies from the Rajasthan desert are sand-blasting the white marble mausoleum and the first question in the minds of many tourists visiting the Taj is whether it is turning yellow?
The suspended particulate matter (SPM) level in the ambient air around the Taj Mahal is over 350 micrograms per cubic metre, much above the permissible standard of 100. In the city and around other monuments, it could be much higher, Gupta told IANS.
The chief reasons are the rapid increase in vehicular movement, lack of water in Yamuna river and poor afforestation on the western periphery of the city, he said.
Surendra Sharma, president of Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society, questioned the success and validity of a whole lot of exercises undertaken to bring down the air pollution level when the SPM and dust levels have not come down.
The abnormally high temperature in March and April have dried up all water sources and the dust storms have raised the SPM level to a new high.
Mughal emperor Akbar's abandoned capital at Fatehpur Sikri is equally threatened by illegal mining activity all around and lack of water to green the surroundings.
No government department has any idea or plan to remove the garbage dumps that have come up on 80 acres of the incomplete Taj Heritage corridor - work on which was ordered to be stopped by the Supreme Court in 2003 - between the Taj and the Agra Fort.
'The Supreme Court has done justice by staying the development of corridor at the site. However, the unfinished project is actually causing lots of environmental problems,' said Ritesh K. Sharma, an activist of rights group LegalMitra.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) officials have said repeatedly that the dust level in the whole Taj trapezium cannot come down until there is massive tree plantation all around and water in the river Yamuna round the year. The ASI last year sent a proposal for a barrage on the river but no action has been taken.
Despite crores of rupees spent over the past 15 years, the Yamuna behind the Taj is still dry. Urging efforts to save the river, Mughal historian R. Nath said: 'The water in the river will absorb all the pollution and dust and also strengthen the base of the massive structure.'
Stretches of green cover along the Western periphery of the city and the southern side have vanished to make way for residential colonies. Community ponds have also disappeared and there is no trace of the dozen-odd Mughal gardens and with only their names like Bagh Farzana, Begum Samru Ka Bagh, Bagh Muzaffar Khan and so on surviving.
Road building activity all around the Delhi-Kolkata national highway, the Jaipur-Agra highway, and now the Jaypee group's most ambitious expressway connecting Greater Noida to Agra along the river bank have also taken a heavy toll on trees and greenery.
The new townships proposed to be built by the expressway authority all the way from Noida to Agra will further deplete the green resources.
'They are spending tonnes of money on questionable projects within the city in preparation for the Commonwealth Games, but the general maintenance of the monuments and the surroundings has remained miserably poor,' conservationist Ravi Singh told IANS.
'Encroachments have not been removed and conservation work has not been taken up to facelift the historical monuments that dot the city. The focus is too Taj-centric.'