Charminar turning black due to air pollution, says archaeological Department

The Archaeological Department of India (ASI) said that air pollution in the city is turning the Charminar black. The officials of ASI on Friday collected found the layers of black deposits in between the samples of lime plaster two days after a portion of the monument fell down.

According to an official, 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.

The 428-year-old Charminar along with other monuments like Mecca Masjid, Char Kaman, Jama Masjid and Badeshahi Ashoorkhana are also turning black due to the high vehicle pollution around the area.

As per the reports of Telangana State Pollution Control Board, the PM10 at the Charminar area was recorded at 120 ug/m3 and 160 ug/m3 in 2017 and 2018 respectively which is beyond the prescribed standard of 100 ug/m3.