Agra: Water leakage in Taj Mahal’s main dome after heavy rain lashes North India

As rains continued to lash India’s northern states, the main dome of the iconic tourist destination Taj Mahal has witnessed water leakage. 

Following the reports of water leakage, a probe was launched, however, no damage has been found on the main dome even as the garden adjacent to the Taj Mahal remains submerged.

Taj Mahal, located in Uttar Pradesh’s Agra, is about 250 km from the national capital New Delhi. It is a 17th-century mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the seven wonders of the world.

Agra recorded 151 mm of rain on Thursday (Sep 12), marking the highest rainfall in 24 hours over the last 80 years. Following the heavy rains, the Agra administration ordered the closure of all schools in the city. 

A senior official of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Agra Circle, said that there is leakage in the main dome due to seepage and there is no damage to it. 

Earlier, an official had also suspected a hairline crack after noticing moisture on the main dome. The ASI has further put its staff on surveillance after the reports of water leakage. 

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Speaking to news agency PTI, Rajkumar Patel, superintending chief of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Agra circle, said, “Yes, we have witnessed the leakage in the main dome of the Taj Mahal. After that when we checked it was due to seepage and there was no damage to the main dome. We have checked the main dome through a drone camera.”

Patel further said that they used drone cameras to carry out the inspection, adding that it is being monitored if the leakage is continuous or intermittent. 

The visuals of the flooded garden adjacent to the Taj Mahal have also been going viral on the internet. 

Monika Sharma, a government-approved tour guide took to social media and said, “Proper care should be taken of the monument because for the tourism industry people it is the only hope.” 

Patel assured people and said that necessary repairs will be conducted and the garden will be restored after the rain subsidies. 

(With inputs from agencies)

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