Plant sprouting from Taj's dome sparks worries over upkeep

AGRA: Plant growth on the marble wall of the Taj Mahal 's central dome has sparked concerns about the monument's upkeep after a tourist shared a photo on social media. The plant, sprouting between marble stones on the northern side of the dome, comes days after rainwater seeped through the ivory-white marble structure, resulting in droplets reaching the tomb below.

Tour operators and organisations are questioning the monument's conservation efforts. Shakeel Chauhan , national general secretary of the Tourist Guide Federation of India, said, "The Archaeological Survey of India ( ASI ) spends Rs 4 crore annually on the Taj Mahal's preservation. Such images tarnish the monument's reputation." He called for swift conservation work after the rainy season.

Rajkumar Patel, superintending archaeologist, said all plants on the mausoleum's walls were removed in Aug. "This plant has appeared in the last 15 days and will be promptly removed," he said. A tourist guide indicated that displaced inlay stones near the plant could cause further damage if not restored promptly.

Plant growth has also affected Agra Fort . A retired ASI official stated that if plant roots aren't removed, they can cause long-term structural damage.

Meanwhile, the roof of a toilet at the Taj Mahal's Shilpgram parking lot collapsed on Tuesday due to heavy rain, though no injuries were reported, said officials. The Agra Development Authority has closed the toilet for repairs. On Wednesday, tourists faced waterlogging at the monument's assistance centre.