The unrelenting rainfall in Agra for the past three days has inundated most parts of the city, including the iconic Taj Mahal. The UNESCO World Heritage site was also hit by the rains as its main dome witnessed water leakage. A video of the Taj Mahal premises went viral on social media, showing a submerged garden at the site after rains battered the city.
However, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has assured that the main dome was intact and the leakage was due to seepage and not due to any damage. The dome was examined by the ASI using a drone camera.
Rajkumar Patel, Superintending Chief of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Agra circle, told news agency PTI: "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." He also said that it is being inspected whether the leakage is intermittent or continuous.
He added: "Moisture was seen inside the main mausoleum. There may be a hairline crack on the dome's stones, causing leakage. The place where water drops are falling is being checked, to find out whether it is continuously in the same position or is falling intermittently. In any case, necessary repairs will be carried out. The garden will be rejuvenated once the rain stops," TOI reported
Meanwhile, a purported video went viral on the internet wherein one of the gardens of the Taj Mahal can be seen inundated after rains. This sparked concern among tourists and locals. Several tourists reportedly visited the Taj Mahal and posted videos of it.
A local working as a government-approved tour guide, said: "Taj Mahal is the pride of Agra and the entire nation which provides employment to hundreds of locals and those who are working in the tourism industry."
Another government-approved tour guide Monika Sharma said: "Proper care should be taken of the monument because for the tourism industry people it is the only hope".
Several other historical sites were impacted by the prevailing weather conditions in the city. Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Agra Fort, witnessed water seepage and flooding. Fatehpur Sikhri, a historic city built by Akbar, Jhunjhun Ka Katora, Rambagh, Akbar's Tomb in Sikandra, Mehtab Bagh, Chini Ka Rauza, were also damaged in the rain.
Agra witnessed 151 mm of rain on Thursday, which was the highest in 24 hours in the past 80 years. Most parts of the city remained waterlogged due to incessant rain for the past three days. While one of the National Highways was flooded with rain water, crops were submerged in some parts due to the rain. Even the posh localities of Agra witnessed waterlogging due to the continuous rain. In view of the rain, the Agra administration has ordered all schools to remain closed as a precautionary measure.