- (1.)We have come across a news item published in some daily newspapers, expressing serious concerns about the safety of "Taj Mahal". As per the news item, the foundations of "Taj Mahal" have become brittle and are disintegrating due to lack of water in river Yamuna. It is reported that if this situation persists serious damage is likely to be caused to the minarets.
(2.)If the news item is correct, some remedial measures will have to be taken at a war-footing in order to save "Taj Mahal". However, before we issue further directions in this behalf, we would like to have the response of the Union of India, the State of U.P. and the Archaeological Survey of India on the said news item. Accordingly, as suggested, we direct the Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources; the Chief Secretary of the State of U.P. and the Director General of Archaeological Survey of India to look into all the press reports on the issue and file their response thereon on affidavit within two weeks from today.
(3.)Call the case on 15th November, 2011, the date already fixed.