Taj Mahal Shrouded in Haze as Agra’s Air Quality Remains Satisfactory
The famous Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, was covered in a light haze on Sunday morning, even though the city’s air quality was deemed ‘satisfactory’. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Agra’s air quality improved from ‘moderate’ on Saturday to ‘satisfactory’ on Sunday. The Manoharpur area recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 93, while Shahjahan Garden recorded an AQI of 73.
Tourists visiting the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, could see the monument clearly despite the haze. Gautam Singh, a tourist from Delhi, mentioned that the haze might be due to changing weather or pollution from stubble burning.
Meanwhile, Moradabad city and nearby areas experienced thicker haze, with AQI levels at Jigar Colony and the Employment Office recorded at 102 and 161, respectively, both in the ‘moderate’ category.
In Delhi, the air quality remained poor, with an AQI of 335, categorized as ‘very poor’. The city has been struggling with air pollution for ten days following Diwali, with a dense smog covering parts of the capital.
Doubts Revealed
Taj Mahal -: The Taj Mahal is a famous white marble monument in Agra, India. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in India.
Haze -: Haze is a thin mist or smoke in the air that makes it hard to see clearly. It can be caused by pollution or weather changes.
Air Quality -: Air quality refers to how clean or polluted the air is. It is measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which tells us how safe the air is to breathe.
Central Pollution Control Board -: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is an organization in India that monitors and controls pollution. They provide information about air and water quality in the country.
AQI -: AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a number used to communicate how polluted the air is. Lower numbers mean cleaner air, while higher numbers indicate more pollution.
Satisfactory -: In terms of air quality, ‘satisfactory’ means the air is okay to breathe for most people. It is not perfect, but it is not harmful either.
Moradabad -: Moradabad is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its brass handicrafts and is located near Agra.
Delhi -: Delhi is the capital city of India. It is a large city with many people and often faces air pollution problems, especially after festivals like Diwali.
Diwali -: Diwali is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in India. It is known as the festival of lights and involves lighting lamps, bursting fireworks, and celebrating with family and friends.