More damage at Taj: Cracks appear across monument, Quranic verses fade, precious stones erode

AGRA: Multiple cracks and damage have appeared on the walls, floors, and other parts of the Taj Mahal following heavy rainfall in Agra over the past week, videos and pictures accessed by TOI show.
Shakeel Chauhan, national general secretary of the Tourist Guide Federation of India, said, "Doors surrounding the main dome are inscribed with verses from the Quran in Arabic, the letters of which have worn away.Semi-precious stones inlaid in the walls through the intricate technique of pietra dura are also grappling with the ravages of time. In the western direction, stones from the floor in front of the royal mosque have chipped off. Damages can be seen on parts of the main mausoleum and walls of the iconic dome."
Deepak Dan, president of the Tourist Guides Welfare Association, added, "What study has the ASI (Archeological Survey of India) conducted to claim there are no structural issues with the monument? Taj Mahal is a world-acclaimed monument, and any negative publicity spreads fast, damaging the image of the nation as a potential tourist spot."
ASI, however, claimed there are "no serious structural issues" concerning the Unesco World Heritage Site. Addressing allegations of laxity, corruption, and mismanagement of funds for the upkeep of the Taj Mahal, ASI said, "Funds spent on the maintenance of the Taj Mahal are audited from time to time. So far, no concerns have been raised in these audits."
Superintending archaeologist Rajkumar Patel added, "Conservation work is a regular process. Assessment of wear and tear is frequently done. Required maintenance and repair works are done following scientific protocols to preserve the monument in best possible manner".
On Wednesday, TOI reported about a plant growing on the wall of the mausoleum's central dome, raising concerns among tourists and conservationists. Rainwater seeped through the ivory-white marble structure, with droplets reaching the tombs of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal below. In a statement posted on social media on Friday, ASI said, "Due to continuous heavy rainfall, a few drops of water were observed, which are being addressed. There is no serious structural issue." The plant growing on the marble wall of the Taj's main dome was later removed.
Last week, a video circulated online showing one of the monument's gardens submerged in rainwater, catching the attention of visiting tourists. ASI responded, stating, "Water accumulated due to rainfall in the garden area of the Taj Mahal complex is temporary and gets absorbed into the groundwater through the existing wells and recharge pits."