Heavy storm in Agra collapses Taj Mahal's minarets
Winds that blew at 130kmh (80mph) resulted in the collapse of the 12ft long minarets.
AGRA (Web Desk) - Two minarets of Taj Mahal located at different entry gates were damaged on Wednesday after strong winds blew in the Indian city of Agra.
Winds that blew at 130kmh (80mph) resulted in the collapse of the 12ft long minarets. However; the other four minarets that surround the main structure are safe and sound.
One of the destroyed minarets was located at the royal gate from where tourists often get their first glimpse of the monument.
The other was located at the southern gate. Indian authorities say that construction for the fallen minarets has begun.
The monument, in the northern city of Agra about four hours drive south of the capital, was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
It has often suffered damage due to pollution and construction activity in recent years.
Attracting around 20,000 visitors every day, the monument was completed in 1648 after 17 years of construction by 20,000 workers.
