Agra: Heavy rain leads to water leakage from Taj Mahal's main dome; ASI on high alert

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Agra: Heavy rain leads to water leakage from Taj Mahal's main dome; ASI on high alert

As previously reported, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a weather advisory warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several portions of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh during the next several days. According to reports, this is due to a depression that formed over central India and is steadily moving northeast.

Reports add that this atmospheric condition was located near Gwalior, around 50 km north of the city and 60 km south-southeast of Agra.

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Now, because of incessant rainfall over the past three days, reports are coming in from Agra where water leakage in the main dome of the iconic Taj Mahal, lead to flooding in one of its gardens. However, with regard to this, a senior official from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Agra circle, assured that the structure has not suffered any damage yet and that they are on high alert.

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Rajkumar Patel, the Superintending Chief of the ASI in Agra, confirmed the leakage, but attributed it to seepage rather than structural damage. He stated, "Yes, we have witnessed leakage in the main dome of the Taj Mahal. Upon inspection, it was found to be caused by seepage with no harm to the dome itself." The ASI also conducted a thorough examination of the dome using drone cameras to ensure the monument's safety.

Revealing more about this, a government-approved tour guide, stressed about the importance of Taj Mahal, stating it’s not just a national treasure, but also as a crucial source of income for many in Agra's tourism industry. "Taj Mahal is the pride of Agra and the entire nation. It provides employment to hundreds of locals and people working in tourism. Proper care should be taken of the monument because, for many in the tourism industry, it is the only hope," the guide added.

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Agra, like many other regions of the country, has been dealing with excessive rainfall, resulting in waterlogging throughout the city. The constant downpour caused water chokes in several neighbourhoods, including wealthy suburbs. Flooding also affected one of the area's national routes, as well as local crops.

All schools will remain closed until further notice because of bad weather. The prolonged rain and its consequent results have raised an alarm, and stressed the need for improved water management systems, particularly at heritage sites such as the Taj Mahal.