Air Pollution Eroding India’s Red Fort

Delhi’s toxic air has caused a black crust to form on the walls of the Red Fort, a historic site from the Mughal era. PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter react chemically with the red sandstone, leading to blistering and peeling of the walls. Research indicates that black deposits on the red sandstone surface have reached thicknesses of 0.05-0.5 millimeters. Pollution has also affected World Heritage sites like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. India’s heritage conservation authorities face criticism for merely treating symptoms rather than addressing root causes, necessitating comprehensive measures to tackle industrial and transportation pollution at its source.