Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Water leakage has been reported at the Taj Mahal following two days of incessant rain in Agra, about 250 km from Delhi. While initial concerns suggested potential damage to the main dome of the 17th-century UNESCO World Heritage site, a thorough investigation by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has confirmed that no structural damage has occurred.
The ASI launched a probe after spotting moisture on the main dome, which initially raised fears of a hairline crack. However, Rajkumar Patel, the Superintending Archaeologist of Agra Circle, clarified that the issue was caused by seepage rather than structural damage. “We inspected the main dome using drone cameras and found that the leakage was due to seepage. There is no damage to the dome itself,” Mr. Patel told PTI.
The monument, one of the seven wonders of the world, remains under close surveillance to monitor whether the leakage is ongoing or intermittent. Meanwhile, visuals of the flooded garden surrounding the mausoleum have sparked concerns among locals and tourists alike.
Impact of Heavy Rain in Agra
The heavy rainfall in Agra, which recorded 151 mm of rain on Thursday—the highest in a 24-hour period in the past 80 years—has affected various parts of the city. The adjacent garden at the Taj Mahal is submerged, raising concerns about the monument’s maintenance. “Proper care should be taken of the monument because for the tourism industry, it is the only hope,” said Monika Sharma, a government-approved tour guide.
Aside from the Taj Mahal, several other historical sites in Agra, including Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and Akbar’s Tomb in Sikandra, suffered minor damage due to the heavy downpour. Necessary repairs and restoration work on the garden will be carried out after the rain subsides, according to ASI officials.
The Agra administration also ordered all schools to remain closed due to the extreme weather conditions.
