No-fly zone over Taj Mahal?

Agra anxious over IAF planes causing damage to Taj Mahal

BY A CORRESPONDENT
July 2, 2006

Fearing damage to the historic Taj Mahal, Agra authorities have requested the Indian Air Force (IAF) to impose a no-fly-zone over the monument. The Divisional Commissioner's office said, "A proposal to impose a no-flying zone, with a radius of seven kilometre, over the Taj Mahal has been sent to Air Force authorities."

The Air Force is currently considering the proposal, and an official has reportedly said, "Currently, none of our planes fly directly overhead the Taj but yes, emissions and jet engine vibrations are issues which are under our active consideration." The proposal is also concerned with buffering the monument from noise pollution and supersonic shocks.

The city, which is 250km away from Delhi, also hosts one of the largest military bases in India, specifically, for transport planes. The enormous Russia Ilyushin-76s is kept here, and the army's AN-32 aircraft fleet is also maintained at the Agra base.

While ASI officials have been carrying out restoration efforts of the tomb, according to Agra authorities, vibrations caused by warplanes flying in the vicinity may be causing damage to the monument built during the Mughal period. Senior Conservation Assistant Munazzar Ali said, "These slabs have been tested by the Geological Survey of India and found to be of more density. They will be more durable than the older ones."