Water Leaks From Taj Mahal Dome After Heavy Rains

Agra, India – Torrential rains over the last 48 hours have left a trail of destruction across Agra’s historic landmarks, with the world-renowned Taj Mahal bearing the brunt of the damage. Reports of water seepage from the monument's iconic dome and flooding in its surrounding garden have prompted the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to launch an urgent investigation, as revealed by The Times of India.

On September 12, ASI officials were placed on high alert after noticing water leaking from the Taj Mahal’s main dome. Superintending Archaeologist Rajkumar Patel confirmed an inquiry is ongoing to trace the origin of the leakage. “Moisture has been observed inside the main mausoleum, possibly from a hairline crack in the dome's stonework,” Patel explained. “We are determining whether the water flow is continuous or intermittent, and repairs will follow accordingly. Restoration of the garden will take place once the weather clears.”

In addition to the dome seepage, severe rains submerged the garden near the central tank, an area frequented by tourists. One government-approved guide, speaking anonymously to TOI, reported that water had reached the tombs of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, inside the mausoleum. A video capturing the flooded garden has since gone viral, sparking alarm among locals and tourists alike.

The Meteorological Department recorded 151 mm of rain in Agra on Thursday - the highest in over eight decades - causing widespread damage not only to the Taj Mahal but also to other heritage sites, including Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s tomb in Sikandra, and several lesser-known monuments.

Viral Video Highlights Maintenance Neglect

As if the damage from heavy rains wasn't enough, a new video has surfaced online, shedding light on what many are calling a lapse in the monument’s upkeep. The footage, which went viral on Tuesday, shows a plant sprouting between marble stones on the northern wall of the Taj Mahal, near an arch that overlooks the Yamuna River. The sight of the plant swaying in the wind has raised questions about the ASI's preservation efforts, with both tourists and conservationists expressing dismay.

Rajeev Saxena, President of the Agra Tourism Guild, voiced concerns over the apparent oversight. “The ASI claims to spend ₹3 to ₹4 crore annually on the Taj Mahal’s preservation, yet incidents like these tarnish the monument's image. After every bout of rainfall, a rapid preservation campaign should be carried out at all monuments,” Saxena remarked.

In response, Dr. Rajkumar Patel reassured that regular cleaning protocols are in place, with maintenance work conducted every Friday to remove debris, including plants and grass. “The plant in question was found at a considerable height, which likely led to its being missed. However, we will address it in the next cleaning cycle,” Patel stated.

Preservation Efforts in Focus

The recent downpours and subsequent damage to the Taj Mahal have reignited concerns over the preservation of India's most cherished heritage site. While the ASI has assured that restoration efforts are underway, the incident highlights the vulnerability of the monument to natural elements, underscoring the need for more proactive conservation strategies.

As ASI officials continue to assess the full extent of the damage, the flooding and viral video have sparked a wider debate about the monument's future. Tourists, historians, and local communities are calling for immediate action to ensure that the Taj Mahal - and Agra’s other historic treasures - remain preserved for generations to come.

For now, the focus remains on restoring the Taj Mahal’s grandeur, but the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the delicate balance between natural forces and cultural heritage, and the ongoing responsibility to protect it.