Wednesday, 18 September 2024
Wednesday, 18 September 2024
For centuries, the Taj Mahal has stood as an enduring symbol of India's architectural brilliance and romantic heritage. However, in the wake of three days of unrelenting rainfall, the white-marble monument's iconic dome is facing an unexpected challenge—water leakage. A video circulating on social media showed a section of the garden on the Taj Mahal's premises submerged in rainwater, causing a stir among tourists and locals alike.
Rajkumar Patel, the Superintending Chief of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Agra circle, acknowledged the issue, confirming there was leakage in the main dome due to water seepage but assured that there was no damage. "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 said.
Yet, the sight of a leaking Taj Mahal was enough to spark unease. Monika Sharma, a local government-approved tour guide, expressed her concern over the monument’s maintenance. "Proper care should be taken of the monument because for the tourism industry people it is the only hope," Sharma said, echoing the sentiment of many in the community who rely on tourism for their livelihood.
The rains that brought this issue to light have wreaked havoc across Agra. Several parts of the city are experiencing severe waterlogging, with even one of the National Highways becoming choked by rainwater.
Agricultural fields have been submerged, and several posh localities are facing water-clogging issues. The administration has also taken precautionary steps by ordering the closure of all schools until the weather improves.
