- Yamuna River reaches Taj Mahal’s compound walls
- Water level exceeds danger level
- Concerns for nearby monuments and gardens
The Taj Mahal’s compound walls in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, are threatened by a river.
Due to heavy rainfall in northern India, the Yamuna River has risen since June 1. Including Uttar Pradesh, which has received 108 percent of its normal rainfall.
Tuesday evening, according to India’s Central Water Commission (CWC), the portion of the river flowing alongside the Taj Mahal ascended to 152 meters, well above the danger level of 151.4 meters. The height deemed hazardous is 152.4 meters.
Local news sources indicated that the last time the river reached the monument’s ramparts was 45 years ago, in 1978.
The Taj Mahal’s red sandstone boundary wall was encircled by murky water on Tuesday. While the mausoleum itself towered over the scene, unaffected by the river.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which oversees the Taj Mahal and several other monuments in India, stated that there is “no serious concern” regarding the monument at this time.
“We will need to reevaluate the situation if it rains more or if the water level remains high for several days,” said Raj Kumar Patel, ASI’s chief archaeologist.
He said some monuments and gardens around the Taj Mahal, closer to the Yamuna, “have also been submerged” and ruined.
