In 1947 India gained independence from the Great Britain and established a democracy. In 1958 the government created the Archaeological Survey of India with the provision to oversee the monuments of historical importance, including the Taj Mahal.

Indians are very proud of the Taj Mahal, but the country has not always had the money or other resources to maintain it properly. In 1983, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) included the Taj Mahal on its World Heritage List.

Because of this classification, the Taj Mahal has received significant funding from international sources. These funds help address the three biggest problems facing the Taj Mahal in modern times: Damage from pollution, heavy rains and too many visitors.

Present day Agra is a home to many coal burning factories. The soot from these factories discolors the white marble of the Taj Mahal, turning it a grayish yellow. To prevent damage from all sorts of pollution, the Taj Mahal has been constantly cleaned. The Supreme Court of India has ruled out that the coal burning factories in Agra must either relocate or switch to cleaner burning natural gas. The Government is also taking steps to reduce other kinds of pollution near the area.

The Taj Mahal is one of the greatest tourist attractions in the world. Each year million of people including foreign tourists, visit it. Shah Jahan constructed the Taj Mahal to be visited and used but not by millions of people. He meant it to be a place of response and consolidation. The Indian government wants people to visit and appreciate the complex but the volume of people poses serious problems. One of the biggest hazards to the building is the humidity caused by the breadth and sweat of thousands of visitors who pass through the tomb every day.

In October 2000, the Indian government tripled the admission fee for visitors. In June 2001, the Archaeological Survey of India also formed a partnership with the Taj Group Of hotels, an association of hotels near the Taj Mahal. The hotels have agreed to donate money to the ASI to help restore the gardens, upgrade the tourist facilities, install new lighting around the monument, clean up the whole complex and restore the pathways and fountains.

The Taj Mahal still stands as a proudest creation of man on earth. If you really want to appreciate its beauty opt for Golden Triangle Tour, India that takes the tourist to Agra- The city of Taj on 2nd day of its tour.