AGRA: The Diwan-e-Aam – great hall – of Agra Fort, where a cultural programme was organised for G20 guests on February 11, has been closed for tourists after deep cracks developed in its ceiling. As per local residents who have lived nearby for years, the 2mm to 6mm wide cracks on the roof may have been caused by loud music that was played during the programme held in the fort for the delegation. ASI officials refused to comment on how these cracks came up in the first place.
Rajkumar Patel, superintending archaeologist (ASI), said on February 13, the staff inside the monument noticed cracks on the roof of Diwan-e-Aam. “The damaged part of the monument has been barricaded and closed. Tell-tale glasses are also being installed to measure the crack width variation,” he said.
Asked whether the monument was damaged due to the loud music played during the event, Patel said it was “too early” to say anything. “The report prepared by the ASI team has been sent to ASI headquarters. Only after a thorough probe will it be decided whether the cracks were pre-existing or surfaced after the event,” he added.
A city-based environment activist said, “Noise above 40 decibels is not permissible in Agra Fort, which is a Unesco world heritage site. The noise level was beyond the permissible limit during the programme.” He claimed that the cracks have developed on the roof of the monument due to sound coming from loudspeakers installed in Diwan-e-Aam.
During the event, over 150 artists performed. A light and sound show, using projection mapping techniques, was presented too. Along with 200 dignitaries, Union minister Smriti Irani also attended the event which lasted for two hours.
Rajkumar Patel, superintending archaeologist (ASI), said on February 13, the staff inside the monument noticed cracks on the roof of Diwan-e-Aam. “The damaged part of the monument has been barricaded and closed. Tell-tale glasses are also being installed to measure the crack width variation,” he said.
Asked whether the monument was damaged due to the loud music played during the event, Patel said it was “too early” to say anything. “The report prepared by the ASI team has been sent to ASI headquarters. Only after a thorough probe will it be decided whether the cracks were pre-existing or surfaced after the event,” he added.
A city-based environment activist said, “Noise above 40 decibels is not permissible in Agra Fort, which is a Unesco world heritage site. The noise level was beyond the permissible limit during the programme.” He claimed that the cracks have developed on the roof of the monument due to sound coming from loudspeakers installed in Diwan-e-Aam.
During the event, over 150 artists performed. A light and sound show, using projection mapping techniques, was presented too. Along with 200 dignitaries, Union minister Smriti Irani also attended the event which lasted for two hours.
