A video circulating widely on social media has captured visitors defacing the walls of Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi, by scratching their names and leaving markings. The footage, shared on X (formerly Twitter), shows individuals climbing on each other's shoulders to reach higher parts of the monument, treating the historic structure like a canvas for graffiti.

This act of vandalism has ignited widespread condemnation, highlighting concerns over public disrespect toward India's cultural heritage. Authorities have yet to comment on the incident, but it underscores ongoing challenges in preserving ancient sites amid rising tourism.

The video, captioned "Zero Civic Sense! Visitors climbing on each other just to scratch their names on the walls of Humayun's Tomb—a UNESCO World Heritage Site," depicts multiple people engaging in the irresponsible behaviour. Social media users have reacted with anger and disappointment, labelling it a "civic failure".

One commenter referenced Article 51 of the Indian Constitution, which outlines the fundamental duty of citizens to preserve the nation's heritage, stating, "People are always yelling about fundamental rights, but they don't remember fundamental duties." Another user called it "shameful", urging, "If you can't respect our heritage, at least don't destroy it. Monuments deserve preservation, not your cheap graffiti."

Further reactions emphasised personal accountability and legal repercussions. A user remarked, "People themselves are immoral and lack the civic sense but will blame the politicians for loot and corruption. Have the people ever looked into themselves?" Another highlighted potential penalties, noting, "Report it. By law, damaging a UNESCO World Heritage site will give you up to 2 years imprisonment or up to a 1 lakh fine." These responses reflect a broader discourse on civic responsibility and the need for stricter enforcement at heritage sites, where similar incidents have occurred in the past, prompting calls for increased surveillance and education campaigns.

Also Read: Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale 2025 Offers Huge Discounts On Electronics

Humayun's Tomb, the final resting place of Mughal Emperor Humayun, was constructed between 1565 and 1572 by his widow, Empress Bega Begum. Regarded as the first garden tomb in India, it exemplifies Mughal architecture with its blend of Persian and Indian elements, featuring red sandstone and white marble. The site attracts thousands of tourists annually and has been featured in numerous films, contributing to its cultural significance. As a UNESCO-listed monument since 1993, it symbolises India's rich historical legacy, making such acts of vandalism particularly distressing.

Also Read: Bangladeshi Minor Rescued as NIA Cracks Human Trafficking Network