The historic Yamuna river, flowing through the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, has surged to reach the compound walls of the renowned Taj Mahal in Agra city, raising concerns about potential damage to the 17th-century white marble wonder.
Recent heavy rainfall in northern India, including Uttar Pradesh, has caused the water level of the Yamuna river to rise significantly. Since the monsoon season began on June 1, the state has received 108% of its normal rainfall.
According to India's Central Water Commission (CWC), the portion of the river adjacent to the Taj Mahal rose to 152 meters (499 feet) late on Tuesday, crossing the warning level of 151.4 meters. The dangerous level is considered to be 152.4 meters.
Local media reported that the river last reached the walls of the Taj Mahal, a masterpiece built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal, 45 years ago, in 1978. That year, the CWC recorded the river's highest flood level near the monument at 154.76 meters.
Visuals from the area on Tuesday displayed the red sandstone boundary wall of the Taj Mahal surrounded by muddy water, with debris floating in it. The Taj Mahal itself remained untouched by the river's encroachment.
Officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which oversees the Taj Mahal and several other monuments in the country, stated that there is currently "no serious concern" about the monument's safety. However, they acknowledged that further assessment would be needed if the water level continues to rise or remains high for an extended period.
Unfortunately, other monuments and gardens situated near the banks of the Yamuna, such as the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, commonly known as the "baby Taj," and Mehtab Bagh, have already been submerged and damaged due to the floods.
Despite the rising water levels, tourists from across the globe continued to visit the Taj Mahal on Tuesday evening, undeterred by the situation. Local residents, on the other hand, expressed apprehension, fearing that the river might eventually invade their homes.
"We have kept our belongings on top so that they do not float away. Along with that, we are staying on alert," said Sundar Dubey, a 49-year-old resident living near the temple.
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