Taj Mahal's foundation under threat, says historian

Historian Haji Tahiruddin Tahir has said that receding water levels of river Yamuna poses a serious threat to the foundation of Taj Mahal.

The foundation of the Taj Mahal, dependent on the waters of Yamuna for its strength, is in danger because of the fast decreasing water level of the river," he said.

"Forty or 50 years down the line or whenever the limestone becomes dry due to lack of moisture, it will start decaying and will be in danger of collapse. This is why water is necessary for Taj Mahal's survival. So if the water levels in the Yamuna are receding, then it needs to be brought up. The Indian government and the Archaeological Survey of India need to pay attention to this. The Taj Mahal must be preserved according to the estimates of the ancient architects," said Tahir in Agra.

An official at the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in-charge of preserving the monument, however denied existence of any scientific evidence supporting the historian's claims.

"It is an opinion that there is a direct relationship between the water in the Yamuna river and the strength of the Taj Mahal's foundations. But there is no scientific proof to back this view," said Bhuvan Vikram Singh, ASI Superintendent, Agra.

He, however, admitted that pollutants arising out of Yamuna pose an actual threat to the mausoleum's semi-precious white marble.

Singh added that conclusions on the possible threats to the monument's foundation may be drawn only after collecting evidence on the same.

For the last few decades, the Taj Mahal has been under threat due to alarming levels of pollution from river Yamuna and the industries in Agra.