Rising Yamuna reaches walls of Taj Mahal for 1st time in 45 years

The last time the Yamuna approached Taj was during the floods of 1978. The water level had surpassed the 'low-flood level' at 495 feet, reaching 497.9 feet.After wreaking havoc in Delhi, the Yamuna River rose to 495.8 feet in Agra, breaching the 'low flood level' mark and reaching the walls of the iconic Taj Mahal on Monday, a sight unseen for 45 years.

As per the visuals shared on social media, the waters of Yamuna can be seen submerging a garden located behind the majestic monument. The last time the Yamuna approached the world heritage site was during the floods of 1978. The water level had surpassed the 'low-flood level' at 495 feet, reaching 497.9 feet.

However, Prince Vajpayee, conservation assistant at Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) attributed the resilience of the Taj to its ingenious design, emphasizing that the main mausoleum was created to withstand floods. While speaking to Economic Times, he said, “The monument was meticulously planned to ensure water could not enter the main structure, even during high floods.

Officials stepped up relief preparedness amid the flood-like situation in Agra. As the river started swelling, it inundated nearby roads and a crematorium in Tajganj and touched the wall of the Itmad-ud-daulah monument. The Yamuna Kinara Road leading to the Taj Mahal also got waterlogged due to backflow from drains falling into the flooded river, PTI reported.