Archive · 16 Sep 2025
Delhi Air Pollution Damages Red Fort, Study Finds
The Red Fort, a famous historical site in Delhi, is being damaged by air pollution.
Scientists found black crusts forming on the red sandstone walls.
These crusts contain pollutants from cars, factories, and construction.
This is causing the walls to flake and lose their intricate carvings.
The study shows that air pollution is the cause of the damage.
Researchers observed blistering, salt crystallisation and dampness.
Authorities are urged to take stricter pollution control measures to protect this heritage site.
Study finds Delhi's air pollution is damaging the Red Fort.
Black crusts of pollutants are forming on the red sandstone walls.
These crusts contain pollutants from traffic, construction, and industry.
Researchers observed damage including flaking and loss of carvings.
Scientists call for stricter pollution control measures.
- Who
- Scientists from IIT Roorkee, IIT Kanpur, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- What
- A study reveals the Red Fort is experiencing damage from Delhi’s air pollution.
- When
- The study was conducted recently.
- Where
- Red Fort in Delhi, India
- Why
- To investigate the impact of air pollution on the Red Fort.
Environmentalists/Heritage Groups
N/A
Impact of Air Quality
Environmentalists/Heritage Groups
Concern regarding the detrimental impact of air pollution on the heritage site.
N/A
N/A
- Affected Site
- Red Fort, Delhi, India
- Study Title
- Characterisation of red sandstone and black crust to analyse air pollution impacts on a cultural heritage building: Red Fort, Delhi, India
- Lead Researchers
- IIT Roorkee, IIT Kanpur, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- Pollutants of Concern
- Heavy metals, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, nitrates, oxalates, particulate matter
- Observed Damage
- Black crusts, flaking, blistering, salt crystallisation, dampness
- Pollution Sources
- Vehicular emissions, cement factories, construction activities
- Historical Significance
- Mughal-era complex, UNESCO World Heritage site
Sources
Loss in details of carvings, blistering of walls: Red Fort facing damage due to air pollution, flags study
Pollution causing accelerating damage to Red Fort: Study
Delhi air pollution not just harming citizens, study says it’s damaging iconic Red Fort too
