Millions from India and abroad visit the imposing 17th century monument of love every year.

Meanwhile, a war of words between Mayor Anjula Singh and Katheria has intensified. Both belong to the BJP.

The mayor wants Katheria to finance the cleaning operation from the MP's official funds. The MP says he first needs to see the balance sheets of the previous years to assess the needs.

The Agra Development Authority recently began cleaning the area around the Taj Mahal.

Ravi Singh, an environmentalist, said that Agra did not have the basic infrastructure for cleaning and disposing of the municipal waste.

'The Yamuna has become dirtier. If one wants to see hell, it is here in Agra,' Singh told IANS. 'It is shocking to see humans living in most inhumane conditions, pathetic indeed.'

Surendra Sharma, president of the Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society, sought prompt action to resolve the crisis sparked by the strike.