In a move to bolster security around India’s most visited monument, an advanced anti-drone system has been deployed within the premises.
Installed by the Uttar Pradesh Police, the high-tech system is designed to detect and disable any drone that ventures into the restricted airspace around the Taj Mahal. The technology employs a combination of radio frequency and GPS signal jamming to neutralise aerial intrusions swiftly and effectively. Although the system is capable of covering an 8-kilometre radius, surveillance is currently focused on a 500-metre perimeter to ensure minimal interference and maximum precision.
"This setup ensures that any drone spotted within the 500-metre range is immediately brought down,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police (Taj Security) Syed Arib Ahmed. “A rapid response team is dispatched to recover the drone and track the operator.”
This isn't the first time the Uttar Pradesh Police have deployed such cutting-edge security measures. Similar systems were used during major events like the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and the grand consecration ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ram temple in Ayodhya earlier this year.
For visitors to the Taj Mahal, this new layer of protection adds to the monument's sense of grandeur and care. As you stand before the gleaming white marble, knowing that advanced technology is quietly at work to preserve the sanctity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site makes the experience all the more awe-inspiring.
The Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most iconic monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1631, it was built in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. The mausoleum is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Islamic, and Indian influences into a breathtaking symphony of white marble.
Construction of the Taj Mahal took over 20 years and involved thousands of artisans and craftsmen. The central dome rises to a height of around 73 metres and is flanked by four slender minarets. Intricate floral motifs, calligraphy in black marble, and semi-precious stone inlay work add to its ethereal beauty. At sunrise and sunset, the monument changes colour, casting a magical spell over visitors.
Beyond its architectural splendour, the Taj Mahal is a powerful symbol of eternal love and loss. It attracts millions of tourists each year, drawn not only by its grandeur but also its poignant history.
(With inputs from PTI)