NewKerala.com

Heatwave Scorches Taj Mahal: Tourist Footfall Drops Sharply in Agra

A severe heatwave across Northern India has caused a significant drop in tourist footfall at the Taj Mahal in Agra. Visitors reported struggling with extreme temperatures, completing tours quickly to avoid prolonged exposure. The India Meteorological Department recorded a maximum temperature of 46.9°C at Akola and issued heatwave alerts for several states. District administrations, including Prayagraj, have adjusted school timings and advised residents to stay hydrated and avoid outings during peak heat.

Key Points: Heatwave Hits Taj Mahal Tourism: Tourist Numbers Decline

  • Tourist numbers drop sharply at Taj Mahal due to severe heatwave
  • Temperatures soar to 46.9°C in parts of North India
  • IMD issues heatwave alerts for multiple states
  • District administrations change school timings and advise precautions
3 min read

Agra: Heatwave in North India triggers decline in tourist footfall at Taj Mahal

Severe heatwave in North India reduces tourist footfall at the Taj Mahal. Visitors struggle with temperatures up to 46.9°C. IMD issues fresh alerts.

"Children wanted to visit the Taj Mahal. It is very hot here... We had to face a lot of problems due to the heat... - Anjali Singh"

Agra, April 29

A severe heatwave across Northern India on Tuesday resulted in a noticeable drop in the number of tourists visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra. With temperatures rising sharply, the usually bustling monument saw thinned crowds as visitors struggled to cope with the extreme weather conditions.

According to the officials, heatwaves in North India resulted in a decrease in the footfall of tourists at the Taj Mahal.

Speaking to ANI, a tourist, Anjali Singh, said, "Children wanted to visit the Taj Mahal. It is very hot here... We have completed our tour within an hour... We had to face a lot of problems due to the heat..."

On Sunday, the India Meteorological Department said that maximum temperatures are in the range of 40-46 degrees Celsius over most parts of the country, except the western Himalayan region, northeast Bihar and northeast India, where temperatures remain below 36 degrees Celsius.

The weather agency further informed that the highest maximum temperature of 46.9 degrees Celsius was recorded at Akola.

The India Meteorological Department forecasted heat wave to severe heat wave conditions in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh on April 26 and heat wave conditions on April 27.

The weather department said heat wave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets over Jammu and Kashmir on April 26 and 27, and across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat during the same period, with similar conditions expected over parts of Chhattisgarh till April 28.

Earlier on Sunday, the district administration in Prayagraj issued an advisory over rising temperatures, and as residents are struggling amid intense heat and harsh sunlight, officials said.

"We have changed the school timings, and schools will be closed by 12 pm so that children do not have to stay in the sun unnecessarily. Whenever anyone goes outside at this time, they should cover their head. The body should remain hydrated, and one should drink adequate amounts of water regularly to avoid dehydration," District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma told ANI.

Urging people to avoid outings in the heat, he said, "And if they do, they should take full precautions. We are installing water ATMs wherever needed."

On Sunday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a heat wave alert for parts of northwest and central India, warning that scorching conditions are likely to continue over the next three days.

The weather department said heat wave conditions are very likely in isolated/some parts of isolated pockets of Jammu-Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Bihar, Gujarat on June 27. A heat wave also gripped Varanasi as people struggled for relief.

Avoid prolonged exposure to heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose cotton clothing. Cover your head using a cloth, hat, or umbrella when outdoors, IMD said.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
😢 We went last summer and barely lasted 30 minutes. The marble was literally burning our feet! The authorities should at least provide more shaded waiting areas and cold water stations. Our heritage sites need better infrastructure for extreme weather.
V
Vikram M
As a local, I can tell you this isn't just about tourism. The heatwave is affecting everyone - daily wage labourers, students, even the monkeys are struggling to find shade. We need urgent climate action, not just advisories.
J
James A
I visited the Taj Mahal during my trip to India last year and it was incredible, but this heat sounds brutal. Hope the authorities consider early morning or late evening entry slots during summer months to help tourists enjoy safely.
R
Rohit P
Honestly, I think the administrators should have anticipated this. Every summer it's the same story. Why can't they install mist fans or air-cooled rest zones near the ticket counters? A little planning would go a long way.
S
Sarah B
Sad to hear this. We are planning a trip to India later this year and were considering the Taj, but now I think we'll come during winter. The heat wave warnings are very clear - safety first! Hoping the situation improves for local residents too. 🙏
K
Kavya N

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50