Set up barely a month ago by CPCB-Agra in association with Environment-Canada, this new system will give continuous updates of pollution levels in real time. While a manual monitoring system existed at the Taj Mahal earlier, instead of the 24-hour average that was earlier recorded, now the data would be in real time.

Also, data from this continuous monitoring station will be uploaded directly on the Board's website in real time and can be accessed by the general public.

More than just providing real time data, the new station will also measure fine particulate matter.

The new Beta Attenuation Monitoring System will also record the levels of PM 10 and PM 2.5.

"This is a sensitive area in terms of air pollution. We are looking at installing continuous air monitoring stations in all those areas that are sensitive. The air pollution problem in the city is a matter of concern and that's why we installed this new system. We are looking at fine particulate matter because it is one of the most dangerous pollutants," says CPCB Member-Secretary B. Sengupta.

According to CPCB, particulate size 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter (PM 2.5) are responsible for causing the greatest harm to human health. These fine particulates can be inhaled deep into the lungs and can cause breathing and respiratory symptoms, irritation, inflammations and damage to the lungs and premature deaths.

The monitoring system will also lay more emphasis on the wind profile operating around the monument.

"We will now be able to pay greater importance to the wind and its influence on the Taj Mahal. This new equipment will enable us to study the wind systems operating around the monument and we will be able to understand how much pollution load is coming from which direction. A lot of the pollutants are coming from the industrial area located near the Taj. And the wind direction has a direct correlation with the pollution load that reaches the monument," says Dr. Sengupta.