Continuous rain causes leak in Taj Mahal's roof
World
India’s Archaeological Survey confirmed the leaks
AGRA (Web Desk) - Persistent monsoon rain for the past three days in Agra has led to leaks in the roof of the Taj Mahal.
According to Indian media reports, the continuous rain has caused water to drip from the main dome of Taj Mahal's roof. Moreover the gardens adjacent to the monument have also submerged.
A government-approved tourist guide said the water leaking from the dome had reached the chamber which houses the tombs of Shah Jahan and his wife.
An official from India’s Archaeological Survey confirmed the leaks, noting that drone cameras have assessed the affected dome and found no damage.
“Moisture was observed inside the main mausoleum,” said Rajkumar Patel, a senior official with the Archaeological Survey of India. “There may be a hairline crack in the dome’s stones, causing the leakage,” he admitted.
The report further stated that repairs to the monument and water drainage from the gardens would commence as soon as the rain stops.
The Taj Mahal, located in Agra in Uttar Pradesh state, is a Unesco World Heritage Site. It was built by the emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj Mahal remains one of the most iconic destinations in India, having been visited by many world leaders and prominent personalities, including perhaps most famously Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales. More recently, the likes of former prime minister Boris Johnson and former US president Donald Trump have also included the monument on the itinerary for official visits.
This is not the first time concerns have been raised about the upkeep and maintenance of the most famous tourist site in India. Historians have blamed poor management of air and water pollution around the architectural marvel for causing the gradual yellowing of the monument, dulling its brilliant white marble.
