India's Taj Mahal Gardens Flooded and Marble Dome Leaks Due to Monsoon Heavy Rain

Part of the garden of the Taj Mahal in India, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, was flooded due to monsoon heavy rains, and a minor leak occurred in the marble dome, which is part of the structure.

Taj Mahal, India / Photo by Yonhap News

On the 15th (local time), according to local media and EFE news agency, Raj Kumar Patel, director of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Indian heritage management agency, reported the damage the previous day. Director Patel stated, "We inspected the main dome using a drone camera," adding that the structure was not damaged.

The damage occurred due to continuous heavy rains since the 11th in the Agra region of Uttar Pradesh in northern India, where the Taj Mahal is located.

Local media reported that videos posted on social media showed the left garden of the Taj Mahal completely submerged, appearing like a pond. Director Patel explained that the footage was taken on the 12th, and emergency drainage work was carried out to restore the flooded garden to its original state.

The Taj Mahal, located on the banks of the Yamuna River, attracts more than 800,000 foreign tourists annually. Including domestic tourists, the total number of visitors reaches several million each year.

The monsoon season in South Asia, including India, usually begins in June and ends in September. During this period, heavy rain damage frequently occurs due to climate change and other factors.