The Yamuna river in Agra surged past the danger mark, its waters rising to lap against the outer walls of the iconic Taj Mahal, officials reportedly said on Monday. The situation has prompted the local administration to initiate close monitoring of the flood risk.
As per reports, the sharp increase in the water level is a direct result of heavy rainfall in the lower Himalayan regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
The rising waters have not only encroached upon the UNESCO World Heritage site but have also flooded the homes of residents living along the riverbank, displacing locals and causing significant disruption.
Despite the alarming visual of water touching the monument, experts moved to allay immediate fears for the 17th-century mausoleum’s structural integrity.
Local historian Raj Kishore Raje was cited by TOI as confirming that the current water levels are comparable to those seen in 2023.
He stated that the monument's construction is specifically designed to withstand such events, noting, "There is no damage to the monument, as its construction is designed to withstand such water levels."
The Mughal-era monument, built by Emperor Shah Jahan, is situated on the southern bank of the Yamuna and has faced periodic flooding throughout its history. Its resilience is attributed to its robust foundational design.
The district administration is now on high alert. A control room has been set up to manage the evolving situation, as per TOI.
Authorities are tasked with both safeguarding the historic site and managing the humanitarian impact on communities in low-lying areas who have seen their properties inundated by the river's overflow.
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