Unprecedented Rise In Yamuna Water Level Causes Water To Reach Taj Mahal's Walls For First Time In 45 Years

A garden behind the Taj Mahal in Agra was submerged on Monday (July 17) even as for the first time in 45 years, the water level in the Yamuna river reached 497.9 feet, crossing the 'low-flood level' of 495 ft.

In Mathura district, the water level in the Yamuna river touched 166.64 m on Sunday afternoon, surpassing the danger mark of 166 m. This resulted in the flooding of low-lying areas in the district.

The Yamuna river in Delhi experienced an unprecedented rise, reaching a height of 208.48 meters. This surge caused flooding in nearby streets, public facilities, and private infrastructure, causing significant difficulties for residents.

Although the water level touched the walls of the Taj Mahal on Monday, officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) stated that the mausoleum was designed to prevent water from entering the main monument.

Residents in Delhi are on alert as the water levels of the Yamuna river are rising again. The river has swelled, causing concern among the local population.

According to reports, the swollen river has reached the back wall of the Taj Mahal. The garden behind the iconic monument was created when the water level in the Yamuna had receded, leaving a vacant area.

During the high-flood level of the Yamuna river in Agra in 1978, the water level reached 508 ft. This mark is indicated on the northern wall of the Basai Ghat Burj of the Taj Mahal.

At that time, the water entered the basement of the monument, causing silt to accumulate in the 22 rooms. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) took measures to prevent further damage by removing the wooden doors that allowed water to enter and building walls at the entrances from Basai and Dusherra ghats.

Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and local administration, have been working to rescue people stranded in flooded low-lying areas of Agra and Mathura. More than 500 individuals from 50 villages and 20 urban localities near the Yamuna river have been relocated to safer places.

The flooding has also resulted in the submergence of over 500 bighas of agricultural land in Agra and Mathura districts. Additionally, approximately 100 villages and urban areas have been without power for the past two days.

Reportedly, the situation is dire for the flood-affected people of Mathura, as they are facing shortages of essential supplies such as ration and drinking water.