The Centre has advised the Uttar Pradesh government to scientifically assess the potential impact of the proposed Yamuna rubber dam on the Taj Mahal’s foundation and structural integrity, Lok Sabha was told Thursday.
The state government plans to construct the rubber dam 1.5 km downstream of the monument in Agra.
A rubber dam is made of fabric coated with rubber. The height of the rubber dam can be adjusted by regulating the amount of water or air inside it. It is fixed on a concrete foundation and can be inflated or deflated to control the river’s flow.
In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Minister of State of Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary said Uttar Pradesh’s Irrigation and Water Resources Department has been “advised to conduct a detailed scientific assessment & Hydro geological study of the potential impact of impounding water through the proposed rubber dam on the foundation and structural integrity of the Taj Mahal…”
He said the state has also been asked to furnish details of a mechanism to ensure continuous flow in the river “so as to tackle water quality”.
“Upon receipt of such proposals, NMCG (National Mission on Clean Ganga) undertakes a detailed examination to assess potential impacts on river morphology, ambient environment, structural integrity of the proposed structures, etc. before granting approval. This review also considers the status of statutory clearances obtained from relevant departments and agencies, as applicable,” the minister said in response to a question by BJP member Rajkumar Chahar.
In March 2019, the Uttar Pradesh government had sought clearance for the project from the NMCG, which comes under the Jal Shakti Ministry.
The same year, the state also moved a proposal seeking environmental clearance. According to the proposal, 28.975 hectares — comprising river areas, government land, barren land and agricultural land — are required for the dam and other facilities.
In 2022, the Jal Shakti Ministry informed Rajya Sabha that as per the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) there was no threat to the stability of the foundation of Taj Mahal.
“Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has informed that there is no threat to the stability of the foundation of Taj Mahal. It is further informed by ASI that regular monitoring is done by ASI in this regard and that the monument is in a good state of conservation,” said Bishweswar Tudu, then Minister of State for Jal Shakti, in a written reply to Lok Sabha on August 1, 2022.
Tudu’s reply came in response to Rajya Sabha member Dr Ashok Bajpai, who had asked “whether government is aware that for want of a dam/barrage on river Yamuna, there is a threat to the stability of the foundation of the iconic Taj Mahal”.
