The iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, India, has experienced water leakage from its main dome due to heavy rainfall in recent days. The downpour across various parts of Uttar Pradesh, including Agra, has caused concerns about the monument’s safety. However, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has reassured the public that the monument has not suffered any damage.
Videos of the inundated garden surrounding the Taj Mahal went viral on Thursday, prompting immediate action from the ASI. A senior official from the ASI’s Agra circle clarified that the leakage was caused by seepage and did not impact the structure of the dome. Rajkumar Patel, Superintending Chief of the ASI, confirmed the situation, stating that they had inspected the dome using a drone camera and confirmed no damage.
The Taj Mahal holds immense cultural and economic significance for Agra and India. A local government-approved tour guide emphasized its importance, stating that the monument provides employment to hundreds of locals and those working in the tourism industry. Monika Sharma, another government-approved tour guide, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for proper care and maintenance of the monument, as it is a crucial source of livelihood for the tourism industry.
In a separate development, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea seeking to declare Agra a ‘heritage city’. The court reasoned that such a declaration would not provide any special advantage to the city, and there was no evidence to suggest otherwise. Justice Abhay S Oka, who presided over the bench, highlighted that the court was already actively involved in safeguarding the Taj Mahal and overseeing the maintenance of the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), an area surrounding the monument.
The recent incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive maintenance and protection for iconic structures like the Taj Mahal. While the ASI’s reassurance is comforting, the event underscores the need for continuous monitoring and adaptation to protect this architectural marvel from the impact of changing weather patterns.
