Taj Mahal Is Leaking! Thermal Scan Reveals Water Seepage In Main Dome

The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of the world, is now facing a worrying problem. The main dome of the monument has been detected with water seepage during a thermal scanning done by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The inspection work will continue for 15 days. After which, the restoration of the monument will begin, which could take 6 months. Read on to know more. 

Thermal Scan Detects Water Leakage In The Taj Mahal Dome

As per a report in The New Indian Express, the dome of the Taj Mahal has now been found leaking. A water seepage point was spotted at a height of 73 metres during a thermal scan done by ASI experts. The dome is now covered in scaffolding, which is a temporary structure made of metal poles and wooden boards to support the inspection and repair process.

The ASI will continue its inspection work for the next 15 days. Once that is completed, a team of conservation experts will begin the repairs. The repair work on the dome is expected to take around 6 months, given the height of the monument.

Also Read: The Secret Black Taj Mahal of Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh

Three Main Reasons Behind The Leakage

Three major factors have emerged as the cause of the leakage, according to ASI’s Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) investigation. First, the mortar between the stones on the dome has started to decay and deteriorate. Secondly, the roof of the dome is showing signs of structural weakness. Lastly, the finial (the pointed pinnacle at the top of the dome), which is supported by an iron rod, has shown signs of rust and erosion.

Prince Vajpayee, senior conservation assistant at the Taj Mahal, confirmed that LiDAR scanning is nearly done and physical inspections will start soon. He also said that since the dome and its pinnacle reach a height of 73 metres, the repair process may take around 6 months to complete.

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We hope the repairs are completed on time. The Taj Mahal is one of India’s most important and iconic heritage sites.

Cover Image Courtesy: Taj Mahal, Wikipedia/ FP 

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