The Battle Against Pollution at India's Taj Mahal

The main dome of India's beloved Taj Mahal is set to receive a much-needed facial, according to the Guardian.

The iconic monument, which was built back in the 17th century, has undergone restoration efforts in recent years but officials will soon begin a mud-pack cleaning treatment on the mausoleum's most prominent ivory dome.

Air pollution and breeding insects have resulted in discoloration, and Fuller’s earth absorbent clay is needed to restore the exterior.

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With Agra's Taj Mahal drawing as many as 8 million visitors a year, some tourism officials are concerned the repairs could turn off sightseers. However, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) superintendent Bhuvan Vikrama told the Guardian that the treatment won't affect the attraction's operating hours.

"A small portion of one side is covered and cleaned, then we move on to the next portion. So the entire monument won’t ever close. It will be open as normal for tourists," he said.

While work on the main dome was originally scheduled to begin last month, officials won't get started until the end of 2017 at the earliest since the mud dries too quickly in the summer months.

The time-consuming process requires the clay to absorb things like dirt, grease and animal droppings. Afterward, it can be washed away with distilled water.

Those willing to battle the warmer temperatures may want to consider a summer visit to the Taj Mahal.

"There are always crowds, but the number of people cramming the monument will depend on the time of year," writes stuff.co.nz's Toni Mason. "Peak India sightseeing time is in the cooler months, from October to March. When it's hotter there will be less people."

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Cleaning the Taj Mahal and its main dome may create short-term headaches for visitors hoping for a picture that doesn't include scaffolding. However, the treatment is necessary to ensure the monument will remain a significant tourist draw for years to come.

"There’s a marked difference between the untreated and the treated areas," Vikrama told the Guardian.

Mughal emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal to be built as a tomb for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, during 1631. In 1983, the mausoleum was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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