Air pollution turning Charminar black: ASI

HYDERABAD: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said that air pollution in the city is turning the Charminar black after it found layers of black deposits, in between the samples of lime plaster collected on May 3.

The officials of ASI collected layers of black deposits two days after a portion of the monument fell down due unseasonal rain. Milan Kumar Chauley, superintending archaeologist, ASI, said that the layer of black deposit formed due to the air pollution will form a gap between the lime plaster and eventually lose its grip. He also said that the lime plaster detached itself due to the absorption of rainwater over the years. 

As per the conservation architects, the 428-years-old Charminar and other ancient monuments- Mecca Masjid, Char Kaman, Jama Masjid, and Badeshahi Ashoorkh, within the heritage zone in the area are turning black due to pollution and their plasters are peeling off due to constant vibrations and pollution caused by passing vehicles. 

According to the records of Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB), the PM10 recorded in Charminar area in 2017 and 2018 is largely around 120 µg/m³ and 160 µg/m³, which is way above the prescribed standard of 100 µg/m³ 

N Raveendhar, environmental scientist said that high levels of PM10 is more harmful to human beings besides monuments, which are constantly exposed to air pollution.