Concern had been expressed in some quarters after some TV channel carried a report how rising Yamuna level was posing a threat to the Taj Mahal.

Indudhar Dwivedi, superintending archaeologist in Agra, said "for over 350 years there had been no threat to the Taj from Yamuna water. How can it be now?"

Dwivedi told Agratoday.in "it was for the water of the river Yamuna that the Taj was built at this particular site. The media should report responsibly."

Meanwhile, flood water entered more areas in the city after the river touched 497 feet, Wednesday afternoon. Rescue teams were rushed to village Tanaura to shift 50 odd people who were trapped on a piece of land which was being eroded by the river.

Water level is expected to rise further in the night. "It should peak on Thursday," an official said. The river in full fury was eroding its banks in many areas, forcing people to shift. New colonies in the Dayalbagh area have also been hit.

In Mathura and Vrindavan, the low lying areas have been cut off from the main road.  Water has now spread into fields along the bank, causing extensive damage to crops.

The bear rescue centre at Keitham began shifting the animals to higher levels after rushing water closed in.