One of the new seven wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage, the mausoleum of the Taj Mahal, located in India, is on the brink of destruction.

The attraction can collapse within five years unless urgent measures are taken to rescue it. Indian scientists came to that conclusion.

According to experts, the monument can collapse due to rotting wooden foundation.

Shallowing of the river Yamuna also affects the state of the Taj Mahal, which leads to subsidence of the foundation. Last year, cracks were discovered in the mausoleum.

The initiative group included historians, experts on environmental issues and politicians who call for urgent actions to avoid the loss of the most famous monument of India.

Scientists think that first of all it is necessary to restore water level in Yamuna river and build a fence, only these construction activities could cost 71 million pounds ($ 109 million).

Taj Mahal is considered the best example of Mughal architecture style, which combines the elements of Persian, Indian and Islamic architectural styles. It was built in 1630-1652.