AGRA: Visitors to the Taj Mahal were left disappointed as a thick layer of smog engulfed the Mughal-era monument, making it barely visible, on Monday due to a spike in air pollution levels in Agra.According to the air qualitydata compiled by the Central Pollution Control Board, on Monday morning the particulate matter (PM) 2.5 concentration (fine inhalable particles with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller) was 6.5 times above the recommended limit outlined in the World Health Organizations air quality guidelines.Many visitors complained of difficulty in breathing, coughing and a burning sensation in their eyes.Elderly tourists were particularly affected as they struggled to walk over a 1 km-stretch from the parking area to the heritage site due to a shortage of golf carts for transportation.Harish Merchant, an NRI from the UK who came to visit the heritage site for the first time with his wife and parents, said, "We waited for an hour but could barely see anything. My parents are complaining of irritation in the eyes and shortness of breath. We are now thinking of cancelling our plan to visit Fatehpur Sikri and other monuments."President of the tourist guides welfare association, Deepak Dan, said, "Till late in the afternoon, the mausoleum remained covered in a thick veil of smog. Tourists expressed frustration over not being able to see the monument and take pictures." He added, "The rising levels of pollution will adversely affect the tourism industry. Authorities must opt for scientific ways to reduce it. Anti-smog guns should be deployed near the monuments to control poor air quality."Meanwhile, as the city grapples with deteriorating air quality, the number of people suffering from respiratory issues has increased. In the last 48 hours, over 100 patients with difficulty in breathing were admitted at SN Medical College in Agra, Lady Lyall hospital, district hospital and other government-run health centres. Chief medical officer of Agra district, Dr AK Srivastava, said, "Prolonged exposure to PM 2.5 and 10 beyond the safe limits can harm the respiratory system as the ultra fine particulates can find their way deep into the lungs and also enter the bloodstream. People are advised to wear face masks. Patients of asthma and tuberculosis should avoid public places". Regional officer of UP Pollution Control Board, Vishwanath Sharma, said, "The Agra Municipal Corporation, Jal Nigam, and UP Metro Corporation have been instructed to follow pollution control norms during construction activities and spray water at sites to prevent fine dust from rising into the air. The deputy commissioner of police (traffic) has also been asked to ensure that there are no traffic jams in the city which could further worsen the air quality."

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