NEW DELHI: The Taj Mahal will need nine  years of mud packs to remove yellow stains from its white marble walls  caused by air pollution, the Times of India reported on  Wednesday.

Archaeologists said the lengthy period was needed to properly  and safely clean particles from the four minarets and the main dome of  the famed monument to love. Authorities have taken numerous steps to try  to protect the 17th-century monument from pollution coming from the  busy city of Agra nearby, including banning local coal-powered  industries.

The mud pack cleaning was announced last year, followed by a  local ban on the common practice of burning cow dung for fuel, in order  to reduce the carbon deposits on the Taj’s walls. The Times of India  outlined an action plan by authorities after submitting a Right To  Information request to access government documents. — AFP