After decades of legal struggles, Lal said he won the land back in 2020, following a lengthy court battle that spanned over 40 years.
A dispute has emerged surrounding the Gyarah Sidi Park, one of the most popular spots for tourists to view the Taj Mahal, particularly at sunset. A local farmer, Munna Lal, has claimed ownership over a portion of land within the park, asserting that it is his ancestral property. Lal said that he won a decades-long legal battle for the land, and has now taken steps to restrict public access to the area, further fuelling the dispute.
The park, located on the banks of the Yamuna River, is renowned for offering some of the most breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal. It has long been a favourite among tourists, especially during the evening hours when the sun sets behind the iconic marble mausoleum, casting a golden hue across the landscape.
Munna Lal, a resident of Kachpura village, made a claim over approximately 6 bighas (around 2.4 acres) of land within the park, asserting that the property has belonged to his family for generations. According to Lal, his father and uncle had cultivated this land, and their names appear on historical land documents. However, the situation took a dramatic turn in 1976 when the land was sealed by authorities, and it was later recorded under different ownership in the district court.
After decades of legal struggles, Lal said he won the land back in 2020, following a lengthy court battle that spanned over 40 years. The district court documents from both 1998 and 2020 confirm the transfer of ownership to Lal and his family. Lal has since taken physical control of the land, fencing it off with wire and placing barricades around the perimetre. He has also issued a ban on public entry to the area.
“My family has fought for this land for decades,” Lal said. “We have the court orders and legal documents to prove our ownership. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office confirmed our title to the land in 2020, and it is now recorded in the official revenue records.”
Legal and Administrative Response
The dispute raised concerns among local authorities and the Agra Development Authority (ADA), which is responsible for the upkeep of the park. The Gyarah Sidi Park is located near Mehtab Bagh, a well-known garden on the opposite side of River Yamuna from the Taj Mahal, and is part of the ADA’s plans to transform the area into a prominent cultural and tourist centre. The ADA has already hosted major events there, such as the Taj Mahotsav in 2023, and the venue was also used for a concert by renowned Greek musician Yanni in 1997.
In response to the controversy, Ritu Maheshwari, the Divisional Commissioner of Agra, confirmed that the land in question falls under the jurisdiction of the Agra Development Authority. She assured that an investigation into the matter is underway. “We are looking into the issue thoroughly,” Maheshwari said. “The park is a public space, and we need to ensure that there are no disruptions to the flow of visitors and that the legal aspects are addressed properly.”
Historical Significance of the Gyarah Sidi Park
The Gyarah Sidi Park has historical ties to Mughal emperor Humayun, who is said to have used the park as an observatory during his reign. Its scenic beauty and proximity to the Taj Mahal make it a popular spot for both tourists and locals alike. In addition to the annual Taj Mahotsav, the park has hosted several cultural and music events, further cementing its status as a key part of Agra’s tourism landscape.
Tourist Guide Federation of India’s National General Secretary, Shakeel Chauhan, expressed concern over the impact of the ongoing dispute on the area’s tourism. “At sunset, this place is packed with people trying to catch a glimpse of the Taj Mahal. This new controversy has raised many questions, especially about access to the park,” Chauhan remarked. “Tourists come here for the view, and it would be unfortunate if they were denied this opportunity.”
Ongoing Investigation
While the investigation into the land ownership dispute continues, the Agra Development Authority will likely play a central role in determining the future of the park. The ADA had plans to further develop the area into a key cultural and entertainment hub, which could now be jeopardised by the current tensions.
As the case unfolds, both the local community and tourists are closely watching to see how authorities will balance legal ownership rights with the public’s access to this historic and picturesque location.
