Agra: Plant growth on the Taj Mahal’s central dome has raised concerns about the upkeep of the iconic monument. A tourist recently shared a photo on social media, showing a small plant sprouting between the marble stones on the northern side of the dome.
This incident comes just days after rainwater leaked through the marble structure, with droplets reaching the tomb beneath the central dome.
Concerns over Taj Mahal’s upkeep
Tour operators and heritage organisations are questioning the conservation efforts at the Taj Mahal. Shakeel Chauhan, the national general secretary of the Tourist Guide Federation of India, expressed disappointment over the condition of the monument.
He highlighted that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) allocates Rs 4 crore annually for the monument’s preservation, yet such images tarnish its reputation. Chauhan urged the ASI to carry out conservation work immediately after the rainy season to prevent further damage.
Rajkumar Patel, the superintending archaeologist in charge of the Taj Mahal, said that all plants growing on the mausoleum’s walls had been removed in August. He explained that the new plant growth appeared within the past 15 days and assured the public that it would be promptly removed.
A tourist guide also pointed out that some inlay stones near the plant appeared to be displaced, warning that if these stones are not restored quickly, the damage to the monument could worsen, as reported by Times Of India.
Similar conditions of Agra Fort?
The Taj Mahal is not the only heritage site in Agra facing such issues. Agra Fort, another historic site, has also been affected by plant growth. According to Times Of India reports, a retired official from the ASI said that if the roots of these plants are not removed in time, they can lead to long-term structural damage to the monuments.
In addition to the plant growth, other maintenance issues have arisen at the Taj Mahal. On Tuesday, the roof of a toilet near the Shilpgram parking lot collapsed due to heavy rain. However, no one was injured, and the Agra Development Authority has since closed the toilet for repairs. Tourists visiting the monument on Wednesday also experienced waterlogging at the monument’s assistance centre, causing some inconvenience.
