Amid ongoing concerns over the “poor maintenance” of the Taj Mahal, recent reports indicate multiple cracks and damage to the monument’s walls and floors due to heavy rainfall in Agra over the past week, according to the Times of India.
Shakeel Chauhan, national general secretary of the Tourist Guide Federation of India, noted that the doors surrounding the main dome, which feature inscriptions from the Quran, show signs of wear. He also mentioned that semi-precious stones inlaid using the intricate pietra dura technique are suffering from the effects of time. “In the western direction, stones from the floor in front of the royal mosque have chipped off, and damage is evident on parts of the main mausoleum and the walls of the iconic dome,” Chauhan stated.
In response, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has asserted that there are “no serious structural issues” regarding the UNESCO World Heritage Site. “Funds allocated for the maintenance of the Taj Mahal are regularly audited, and so far, no concerns have been raised in these audits,” the ASI stated.
On September 19, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav criticized the Yogi Adityanath government for the monument’s upkeep, arguing that the Taj Mahal should be a “living and active” symbol rather than just a “monument.” He shared a viral video showing a plant sprouting from the dome, warning that roots could lead to cracks in the structure.
Yadav accused the BJP government and its agencies of failing to maintain the Taj Mahal, which attracts tourists from around the world. He expressed concerns over potential rusting of the metal urn on the main dome and reported water dripping from it, emphasizing the risks posed by the growing plants.
Recently, water seepage was observed in the main dome due to continuous rain; however, ASI officials stated that there was no damage to the arched roof.
