News Desk
A Mughal emperor built the historical monument in Agra to honour his wife, Mumtaz
Agra, July 20: Distressing floods causing chaos across northern Indian states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and New Delhi threaten to inundate even the iconic architectural marvel Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. However, the officials say that, for now, the Taj Mahal is safe.
The vagaries of weather and record monsoon rains have caused widespread destruction in north India, killing over 100 people in different parts of India.
Officials said that floodwaters from India’s Yamuna River touched the compound walls of the Taj Mahal, a major tourist attraction, on July 18. Social media users shared several pictures and videos of the Taj Mahal compound. The Yamuna River – a tributary of the Ganges – has reached its highest level on record, resulting in mass evacuations in northern states.
Eyewitness accounts said that a garden located not far from the Taj Mahal was inundated. India’s Archaeological Survey (ASI), which is responsible for maintaining the heritage site, said the Taj Mahal is “not under threat from the current floods.â€
In the past, the floodwaters have not reached the outer walls of the complex.
Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the iconic monument near the city of Agra in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh in the 17th century to honour his wife, Mumtaz, who died in childbirth. Millions of tourists from all across the globe visit the Taj Mahal each year.
