Yamuna river rises, water reaches Taj Mahal walls.
District administration readies for floods, sets up control room, officials closely monitor situation to ensure safety and timely response.
Agra witnessed a dramatic turn on Sunday as the Yamuna river, swollen by fresh rainfall in the lower Himalayan region, continued to rise beyond the danger mark. The river’s surge carried its waters all the way to the boundary walls of the Taj Mahal, officials confirmed, sparking concern among residents and visitors alike.
The sight of water lapping against the Mughal masterpiece is both striking and unsettling. For many in Agra, the Taj Mahal is not only a world-renowned monument but also a part of their daily identity. Watching the Yamuna inch closer to it revives memories of last year, when the river reached almost identical levels.
The situation has also taken a more personal toll. Several houses along the riverbank have already been inundated, forcing families to either move out temporarily or live under constant fear of worsening floods. Local communities, many of whom depend on the river for livelihood, are now anxiously watching the waterline rise with each passing hour.
Historian Raj Kishore Raje offered some reassurance, noting that the Taj Mahal’s foundations and structural design are strong enough to withstand such pressure. “It touched the walls, but the monument remained safe. This time too, there is no immediate threat of damage.” His words, however, do little to calm the nerves of people who have seen floodwaters encroach upon their homes.
The district administration has stepped up preparedness to prevent the crisis from deepening. A dedicated control room has been set up to monitor the river round-the-clock. Teams of officials are keeping watch on vulnerable areas, coordinating with local police and disaster management units. Relief measures are also being readied in case evacuation becomes necessary.
For many Agra residents, the rising Yamuna serves as a reminder of nature’s power and unpredictability. While the Taj Mahal stands firm, communities along the riverbank face a more immediate struggle. Children are unable to play freely, shops are running with fewer customers, and farmers near the river are worried about losing their crops if the water continues to climb.
Yet, amid the unease, there is also resilience. Neighbors are helping one another, volunteers are distributing essentials, and prayers are being offered in temples and mosques across the city. For the people of Agra, living in the shadow of the Taj Mahal has always been a source of pride. Today, it also becomes a symbol of endurance — a reminder that even when waters rise, both monuments and communities can stand strong.