It may have been crowned the winner of the new Seven Wonders of the World competition in 2007, but the Taj Mahal in India is being slowly destroyed by tourism.

       The world-renowned white marble mausoleum, is not just the Indian monument most visited by international tourists, it is also the most frequented attraction for domestic tourists. It is said to receive between seven and eight million visitors annually, with 800,000 of those from overseas.

       A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, the Taj Mahal eclipsed all other Indian tourist attractions in ticket sales, with data revealing that it earned ￡7.7 million in the year 2022 to 2023, according to Tourism Ministry data, despite a large dip due to the pandemic.

       Commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, it was to house the tomb of himself and his wife. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare complex, which also includes a mosque and guest house, set in formal gardens.

       Today, the estimated total cost would have been over ￡61 million. The mausoleum itself is constructed with white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones.

       READ MORE: Incredible map shows the best tourist attraction in every country in the world

       Speaking with Express.co.uk, Richard Krieger, Director at Sky Vacations, shared his concerns about the challenges posed by overtourism and the potential damage to historical sites and the impact on surrounding towns, “as one of the leading tour operators to India”.

       “Like the Acropolis in Athens, the Colosseum in Rome and the Pyramids of Giza, the Taj Mahal will always beckon travellers,” he said, adding that “there’s a reason that it remains a bucket list item for many".

       However, problems with “crowds, endless waits, lack of proper sanitation and cleaning are real. Tourists are causing the site and town to buckle under the pressure and there’s no question that endless visitors are wearing it down.”

       But, Krieger added, “steps can be taken”, including that tourism and government professionals “must clearly acknowledge there is a problem”. He suggested several steps, including stricter entrance rules.

       In 2019, to address overtourism, the site introduced fines for visitors who stay for longer than three hours, while those without time-stamped tickets are refused entry. Krieger believes, however, this has not gone far enough, while also raising concerns over the local administrations failiure to enforce the policies.

       “To manage the flow of visitors, admissions should be strictly timed - the Acropolis began this last year,” he said. “Charging a fee if you stay longer is not practical and difficult to manage. A system of entry and exit, with local guides encouraging people to move along, will allow visitors to maximise their time and eliminate the bottleneck.”

       He also highlighted the importance of temporarily closing the entire site, or a portion of it to allow experts to repair and maintain it.

       “While I’m not an engineer, looking at ways to put a floor over the existing marble floor would save it for generations. The ancient site of Akrotiri in Santorini comes to mind. There a network of metal walkways takes one through the site, with very limited connection to the actual floor.”

       Similarly, when asked by Express.co.uk if parts of the Taj Mahal should be closed off to help preserve it, Hollie McKay, VP of Communications for HotelPlanner, said: “Absolutely. Longevity is critical.

       "The Taj Mahal's delicate white marble faces a significant threat from large crowds. High foot traffic causes wear and tear, while visitor pollution accelerates the damage.

       Don't miss...

       Edinburgh resident slams tourists as a ‘complete nightmare’ [LATEST]

       Beautiful town in Majorca bans tourists from one activity [LATEST]

       Anti-British tourist protesters 'playing' with fire as Majorca crisis continues [LATEST]

       "Additionally, defacement is causing a big issue. Many touch the walls to feel the smoothness of the marble, but the oil and dust left by peoples hands is also causing it to be eroded. The Archaeological Survey of India believes that separating visitors and the walls would go a long way in tackling the damage.

       “To combat this, closing off certain sections for controlled access and focused conservation efforts could be a viable solution." said McKay. "This wouldn't have to come at the expense of tourism. Rotating closures or designated viewing platforms could ensure all visitors can experience the monument's entirety.

       “Striking this balance between preservation and accessibility will ensure the Taj Mahal's majesty endures for future generations."

       McKay suggested several practices aimed at preservation, including requiring visitors to remove shoes and wear provided footwear to “minimise wear and tear on the delicate marble floors”, restricting bags to essentials to streamline security checks, enhanced waste management to reduce litter and “Leave No Trace” Education, “a concept familiar to many tourists visiting sensitive locations, would encourage responsible behaviour and minimise environmental impact”.

       However, it is not just the marble under-foot that is being damaged. The rising air pollution levels in Agra have greatly affected the overall colour of the Taj Mahal. This air pollution has come as a result of deforestation in the surrounding area of Agra, to make way for new hotels and guest houses aimed at serving the monument.

       The marble has been the victim of cracking and corrosion as a result of sulphur dioxide - with vehicle emissions and the release from the nearby Mathura oil refinery among the primary sources - which combines with moisture to form sulphuric acid, and acid rain, which dissolves the marble.

       In 2018, the Supreme Court told the state and central government “restore the Taj Mahal or we will shut it down”. Thus, in 2019, a restoration project was undertaken using mudpack treatment for the fourth time, to absorb grease and dirt and reverse the marble's yellowing. The last treatment was applied in 2008.

       McKay highlighted concerns for the area: “Online reviews mention that uncleanliness stems from the strain large crowds place on Agra's waste management system.”

       Krieger also raised concerns about the fate of Agra: “The lack of proper sanitation and clean up are problematic, but could be addressed by a regional tourism office, that has the power to implement regular removal of trash and implement sustainability guidelines, will in the long run, be a great benefit for all.” Krieger suggested the implementation of a small tourist tax, which could be allocated to the site to help maintain it and its facilities.

       Recent visitors to the Taj Mahal took to Tripadvisor to share their concerns and complaints, describing Agra as “disgusting”, “filthy” and “smelly”, while saying the experience at the monument was “ruined by crowds” and that they “felt like sheep” being herded around the site.

       One of the few ways to visit the monument without the crowds, which Krieger and his colleagues always encourage, is “to visit very early in the morning or as late in the day as possible”. This, while providing “a much more authentic experience”, as Krieger put it, will not help to protect the site in the long run.