A classic masterpiece of Buddhist art, the Ajanta caves, is a UNESCO world heritage site and a protected monument of the Archaeological Survey of India. But the cave paintings have started deteriorating in the past few decades and are losing the battle against insects and other climatic stressors. A research team from National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) looked at all the available literature on the Ajanta caves and mapped out the different factors causing this damage. This leads to dampness in the cave atmosphere causing an increase in algae, fungi, insects, and microbes. Light to the rescueThe researchers have suggested using certain lights and colour to tackle the problem of insects.

Source: The Hindu October 19, 2019 12:55 UTC