Agra: Water Leakage Floods the Main Dome of Taj Mahal
Heavy rainfall in Agra has caused significant damage to the Taj Mahal, including water leakage, cracks, and deterioration of its intricate features.
Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, has been experiencing severe rainfall since 10th September 2024. On 12th September, the city recorded its highest rainfall in 80 years, with 151 mm of rain in just 24 hours. The heavy rains have caused widespread damage across Agra, including waterlogging on highways and posh areas, the submerging of crops, and the closure of schools, colleges, and government offices.
The most significant damage, however, has been to the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. The rising water levels of the Yamuna River, which flows behind the monument, and the flooding of the beautiful garden surrounding the Taj Mahal, have been major concerns. According to a government-approved tourist guide, the heavy rains caused water leakage in the main dome, which then flooded the tombs of Emperor Shahjahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), responsible for maintaining the monument, had already suspected a hairline crack in the main dome due to moisture noticed inside the structure. After inspecting the site with drones, ASI official Rajkumar Patel confirmed there was water leakage but assured that the main dome was not damaged.
Photos and videos of the flooded garden and heavy rainfall in Agra have gone viral on social media. The ASI has now deployed staff to monitor the situation and promised that necessary repairs and restoration will be done once the rains subside.
Unfortunately, the Taj Mahal is not the only historic site in Agra that has suffered. Other landmarks, such as Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s tomb, and the Roman Catholic Cemetery, have also been affected by the rain.
On 21st September 2024, media outlets, including the Times of India, reported further damage to the Taj Mahal. Cracks and damages have appeared on walls and floors, and even a plant was seen growing on one of the walls of the main dome. Some verses from the Holy Quran inscribed on the doors have faded, and semi-precious stones embedded in the walls are becoming loose and falling off. The famous marble jaali (mesh) has also started cracking.
Despite these worrying signs, the ASI maintains that there are “no serious structural issues” with the 392-year-old monument.
Do you think the Taj Mahal is getting weak, or is this damage a result of corruption? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
