A local farmer has asserted ownership of a section of Gyarah Sidi Park in Agra, situated across the Yamuna River and behind the Taj Mahal, thus limiting public access to this site, which is named after a Mughal-era monument featuring 11 steps.

Farmer Munna Lal claims to have emerged victorious in a lengthy legal dispute. Recently, he cultivated six bighas of land within the park using a tractor, erected a fence, set up barricades, and installed a sign declaring the area private property that is strictly off-limits to outsiders.

Lal, who hails from Nagla Devjit in Kachhpura, stated that the land in question, measuring six bighas and eight biswas, has historically been recorded under Khasra numbers 608, 610, 613, 614, and 615. He further noted that his father, Roop Singh, along with his uncle, Nathhi Lal, was the registered cultivator of this land.

“My family has fought a 40-year legal battle to secure this land after it was taken away in urban ceiling action in 1976,” Lal told ThePrint, adding that the district judge ruled in his family’s favour in 1998.

He added that the property was officially recorded in his name in the land records this year.

ThePrint has obtained copies of a 1998 order from the Agra district judge and a 2020 document from the sub-divisional magistrate’s office confirming Munna Lal’s ownership.

Agra Divisional Commissioner Ritu Maheshwari acknowledged that she was unaware of the farmer’s claim to a portion of the park. “This land falls under the jurisdiction of the Agra Development Authority (ADA). We will dispatch a team to inspect the area, and if unauthorized possession is confirmed, we will take appropriate action,” she stated.

The park, managed by the ADA, has long been the focus of various proposals, including plans for cultural events, beautification projects, and even the establishment of a museum.

“The development of a Theme Park & Entertainment Zone along with a Cultural Activity Zone at Garah Sidi near the Taj View point will create a lively recreational space that celebrates cultural heritage, offers diverse entertainment options, & enhances the visitor experience, making the area a vibrant & attractive destination for both locals & tourists (sic),” reads a section in the Authority’s website.

The last significant event hosted at the park was the Taj Mahotsav cultural festival in 2023. Notably, it also served as the venue for a concert by Greek composer Yanni in March 1997.

“The development seems to have compromised the city’s tourism attractiveness, specifically for the park itself that will have fewer viewers admiring the Taj…,” Agra Tourist Welfare Chamber secretary Vishal Sharma said.

“We had visualised Gyarah Sidi Park as a place where locals & tourists could assemble & witness the glory of the Taj at sunset. This development has turned our dream upside down & puts a question mark over the future of this site.”

Gyarah Sidi Park is located adjacent to Mehtab Bagh, which has gained prominence due to the Agra Development Authority’s Taj View Point, attracting both domestic and international tourists. The park is situated next to the Gyarah Sidi, a Mughal-era observation structure.

This structure is believed to have been used by Mughal emperor Humayun as an observatory. However, it shows significant signs of deterioration, with visibly damaged stones. Once a protected heritage site, it has unfortunately become a hotspot for miscreants.

“As can be seen here, priceless historical assets are destroyed without any concern. The park, the observatory, & nearby cultural landmarks must be interfered with immediately to avoid more destruction. Authorities must do more restoration work in the area,” Devashish Bhattacharya, a local social activist, said.