The government of India’s Uttar Pradesh state has reportedly ordered an investigation after it was discovered that the Taj Mahal may be sinking.
According to The Independent newspaper, festivities planned to celebrate the lavish building’s 350th birthday will be held well away from the monument because of fears that the huge crowds will exacerbate the problem.
Two Indian academics reportedly raised the issue, saying that water levels in the Yamuna river, which runs alongside the Taj Mahal, have dropped – causing the building’s famous minarets to lean.
The tilts in the minarets were first noticed in 1942, The Independent reports, and are increasing year-on-year.
Agam Prasad Mathur, of Agra University, is quoted as saying: “The river Yamuna used to be full of water to maintain the monument’s balance and absorb tectonic shocks.”
The two academics say the only way to solve the problem is to restore a full water flow to the river.”
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd
