According to the BBC, researchers have discovered that the crusts—deposits formed by chemical interactions between pollutants and the walls of the red sandstone fort—were between 0.05mm and 0.5mm thick. These deposits could damage its intricate carvings if no action is taken. This is the first comprehensive study to examine the effects of air pollution on the 17th Century monument.
Delhi, one of the world’s most polluted cities, frequently makes headlines for its worsening air quality, especially during winter. Conservationists have repeatedly warned about the detrimental impact of pollution on heritage structures in the capital and other states. In 2018, the Supreme Court noted that the Taj Mahal had turned yellow and greenish-brown due to air and water pollution, urging the state government to take steps for its conservation.
Research Findings and Recommendations The study on the Red Fort, published in the scientific journal Heritage in June, was conducted between 2021 and 2023 by researchers from India and Italy. They scraped off the black crust from various walls of the fort and analyzed its composition.
They found that particulate matter and other pollutants in the air caused the black sediment to form on the fort’s walls and damaged architectural elements like vaults, arches, and delicate stone carvings. The researchers also found evidence of blistering and flaking on the walls.
The study notes that the formation of this black crust is a progressive phenomenon that begins with a thin layer, which can be removed in its early stages. It recommends the timely implementation of conservation strategies, such as applying stone protectives or sealants to highly affected areas to slow down or prevent the formation of these crusts.
Historical Significance of the Red Fort The Red Fort, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, is one of Delhi’s most iconic heritage monuments and a popular tourist attraction. India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the national flag from the fort on August 16, 1947, a day after India’s independence from Britain was declared. Since then, prime ministers have delivered their Independence Day speeches from the fort’s ramparts.
