In a concerning development, the rising waters of the Yamuna have posed a threat to several protected monuments and gardens of national importance located on the banks of the river in Agra.
While the Taj Mahal remains unaffected, other historical sites have been impacted by the flood.
Mehtab Bagh, a picturesque garden, has been inundated with floodwaters, prompting its closure for tourists. At the rear part of Etmauddaulah, popularly known as Baby Taj, chambers situated along the Yamuna’s banks have been submerged under water.
The water level of the Yamuna has surpassed the danger mark, reaching the back wall of Etmauddaula. Consequently, tourists are prohibited from venturing beyond Noorjahan’s grave.
A senior official of Agra administration, Ravi Pratap Mishra, said that Mehtab Bagh would remain closed until further notice, as the garden had been filled with water.
Other monuments affected by the floodwaters include Kala Gumbad monument, located opposite Chini Ka Roza, Battiskhamba, Johra Bagh, Sarai A-Gate-way and Satkuian at Rambagh.
Meanwhile, the riverside gardens of Taj Mahal and the Khan-e-Alam monument have also been impacted by the floodwaters.
To assess the damage caused by the flooding, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has conducted a drone survey. Agra circle Superintending Archaeologist Rajkumar Patel said that 6-7 monuments in the Etmauddaula sub-circle had sustained damage and the gardens had been ruined. A clearer picture of the situation would emerge once the water recedes.
Meanwhile, Senior Conservation Assistant Prince Vajpayee said that there were no restrictions on tourists’ movement in Taj Mahal premises as the iconic monument remained unaffected by the rising water levels of the river Yamuna.
Beyond the impact on historical sites, the flooding has also affected the local communities. Approximately 40 villages in Agra have been submerged and 12 colonies between Dayalbagh to Balkeshwar are grappling with floodwaters.
District Magistrate Navneet Singh Chahal highlighted the extensive damage to crops and a comprehensive survey will be conducted once the water levels recede.
To provide assistance to the affected population, the administration has established 47 flood posts across the district, including Kailash Mandir, Amar Vihar police station, Poiya Ghat, Balkeshwar Ghat, Hathi Ghat, Kambhana Mustkil, Tanaura Noorpur, Samogar and Moti Mahal Kachhpura. Furthermore, 15 relief camps have been set up in the city, where food packets are being distributed to affected individuals in the morning and evening.
As the situation continues to unfold, efforts are underway to mitigate the damage caused by the flooding and provide relief to those affected by the calamity.