THE Taj has been under siege from man-made elements for a long time, and in the last two decades, various prescriptions have been suggested to save it from the ravages of industrial pollution. The latest, though, has flummoxed even our normally sedate historians and conservationists. The Archaeological Survey of India's (asi) latest beauty tip for the 17th century monument and one of the 'seven wonders' of the world is to subject it to a mudpack treatment! Last week, historian and Taj Mahal expert R. Nath lashed out against the plan to use fuller's earth or Multani mitti as mudpack for the monument. He told Outlook: "It's a bleaching agent comprising hydrated aluminum silicates that contain magnesium, sodium and calcium within their structures to absorb impurities like oils, fats, tallow >and petroleum-based residues. But Uhere is no history of its use on stones or marble surfaces anywhere else in the world, not even places like Greece and Italy. As a bleaching agent, it will make the surface of the Taj uneven and harm the marble, exposing it to dirt and fungus." He wonders why the asi doesn't stick to the traditional conservation manual and says he will move a pil if the proposal gets the go-ahead. This is not the first time the mud pack has been tried on the Taj. Six years ago, the asi had tried it and, initially, the Taj had got a shiny coat. But it soon began to yellow. Experts believe such short-term measures will eventually hasten the process of decay of the monument. Instead, they point out that the asi, as well as the Centre and state governments, must effectively address the real issues of pollution. If 10 years ago, the iron foundries, the glass and leather industry, marble mining and the Mathura Refinery were identified as the culprits, the famed monument now faces new threats. Take vehicular pollution. In 1985, there were only 40,000 vehicles in Agra. Today, the number has shot up to close to four lakh. In addition, three busy national highways criss-cross the city, adding to the pollution. Also chronic power shortage