A recent report from IIT Roorkee presented to the Supreme Court indicates that desilting the Yamuna River in Agra may adversely affect the stability of the Taj Mahal and other nearby monuments. The two-member team, following field inspections and site evaluations, concluded that the removal of silt, sludge, and garbage from the riverbed is “not viable.”
The report, submitted a week ago in response to a petition from the Agra Development Foundation, emphasized that desilting efforts could destabilize not only the Taj Mahal but also local bridges and structures. The petition, part of an ongoing case since 1984 aimed at protecting the Taj Mahal, cited the unsightly conditions of the river, which deters millions of tourists.
Concerns Over River Pollution
The presence of substantial silt and waste on the riverbed, situated approximately 5-6 meters deep, leads to unpleasant odors that tarnish the visitor experience. Additionally, pollutants are contaminating the soil, potentially compromising the foundational integrity of the 17th-century monument.
IIT Roorkee's findings underscore the dangers of dredging the riverbed, which is located close to religious sites and important monuments. The team cautioned that such actions would have detrimental effects on the structures' stability.
The Supreme Court has yet to review the IIT report, having postponed the matter to November 8 after an initial hearing on October 4.
Impact of Untreated Wastewater
Experts attribute the accumulation of garbage and sludge to the discharge of untreated wastewater from various parts of Agra. An estimated 90 surface drains contribute to the pollution, with many carrying untreated waste, solid refuse, and plastics into the river. This accumulation has not only elevated the riverbed but also diminished the river's capacity to hold water, resulting in a persistent stench.
The IIT report warned that desilting would alter the flow dynamics of the river, affecting both upstream and downstream areas. Reducing the riverbed by 5-6 meters could lead to increased water velocity and subsequent erosion of riverbanks, which may threaten the foundations of vital transport bridges connecting Agra to Delhi.
Government Response and Ongoing Concerns
Following a July 11 Supreme Court order, the UP government commissioned IIT Roorkee for this study, indicating a lack of feasible methods for cleaning the riverbed. The court highlighted that the state’s previous denials lacked technical justification.
Advocate Kishan Chand Jain, representing the application, raised concerns about flooding due to neglect in maintaining the riverbed and restoring its natural state. Last year marked a notable event when the river’s water reached the Taj Mahal's boundary for the first time in 45 years, reflecting the pressing water crisis in Agra.
The declining groundwater levels have been a growing issue, with residents increasingly relying on groundwater for drinking and agriculture. This reliance has led to health issues linked to heavy metal contamination.
The potential damage to the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s Seven Wonders, is alarming. Pollutants and chemicals in the Yamuna are reportedly compromising the structure's sal wood foundation, while discolored marble walls indicate damage from riverine insects.
Call for Urgent Action
Data from the Central Water Commission reveals that the riverbed height has decreased by approximately 2-2.5 meters from 1978 to 2023, exacerbating the pollution crisis.
With millions of tourists visiting Agra annually, the application to the court emphasized the urgent need for desilting efforts to protect not only the Taj Mahal but also India's global image and tourism prospects.
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