New Delhi : The key authority keeping a watch on environmental pollution in the country made a startling disclosure before the Supreme Court, saying there was alarming "violation of ambient air quality norms" around the world heritage monument, the Taj Mahal at Agra.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) cousel Mr. Vijay Panjwani said in an affidavit that "there is a gross violation of sensitive mbient air quality norms with respect to bpth suspended particulate matter (SPM) and respirable particulate matters (RSPM) parameters particularly in the pre-monsoon days."

CPCB additional director S K Makhijani swore that the contents of the reports on air quality monitoring done by the authority through Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AAQMS) at Taj Mahal, Itmad-ud-Daulah, Nunhal and Rambagh, were true.

He said monitoring air quality is vital for steps to be taken to reduce pollution around the 17th century Mughal Monument. It also helps the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to take necesary action for maintaining the health of the monument.

The CPCB said continuance of the AAQMS would be in jeopardy as the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has not yet sanctiond the requisite funds for their functioning.

It requested the court to direct the Centre to extend financial asistance worth Rs. 56.38 lakhs for this purpose and expressed the necessity of upgarding these air quality monitoring stations.

The apex court is already seized of a Public Interest Litigation drawing its attention towards tilting of minarets adjoining the Taj.

Petitioner  Ajay Agarwal's petition is based on a certain authentic report saying three minarets tilted by 1.5 to 3.0 inches (3.8 to 7.6 cms.) while the fourth southwest-facing minaret was tilted by 8.5 inches (21.6 cms)/

Such tilts could be either part of the original design - to prevent all the minarets from crashing in on the main dome in an earthquake or other such disaster or the result of some sub-soil displacement and settlement centuries ago.