The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is undertaking preventive repairs at the Taj Mahal in Agra to address water seepage issues in the monument's main dome. The repair work is expected to take around six months due to deteriorated mortar, weakened structures, and rusted iron rods, according to The Indian Express.
Scaffolding was erected at the top portion of the main dome to facilitate the ASI's inspection and repair work. The inspection involves the use of technologies, including Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanning and thermal imaging, as stated by officials at ASI's Agra Circle.
Water seepage was reported through the main dome of the Taj Mahal last year during heavy and continuous rainfall. On September 12 last year, a minor seepage was observed from the top of the main dome. The ASI detected a water seepage point in the dome during thermal scanning, The Indian Express reported.
The seepage issue was immediately addressed by the ASI through initial repairs. Following these efforts, an inspection of the main dome was carried out by engineers and archaeologists from the ASI. The inspection report revealed moisture presence in the main dome and the metal pinnacle of the Taj Mahal. It also showed signs of corrosion and surface damage on the outer part of the main dome.
"It was found that the primary source of the seepage was damaged pointing at the joint between the metal pinnacle and the white marble dome," officials said, according to The Indian Express.
The water seepage in the dome was detected by the ASI at a height of 73 meters, making the repair efforts required at such an elevation more complex. Based on the inspection report, repair work was started last month. Officials stated that once the scaffolding is complete, an assessment of the pinnacle will be conducted. The ASI's inspection of the Taj Mahal is likely to continue for 15 days, after which experts will commence the repair work on the dome.
"Now, physical inspection will be done. In view of the height of the main dome and pinnacle mounted on it at 73 meters, it will take around six months to complete the repair work," said Prince Vajpayee, the Senior Conservation Assistant at the Taj Mahal, according to News18.
Vajpayee noted that the light detection inspections were nearly completed. "After the inspection, experts will start the repair work on the Taj Mahal's dome," he said, according to News18. The ASI's LiDAR investigation of the Taj Mahal revealed three issues: the mortar between the stones on the main dome was found to have deteriorated; the final part mounted on the dome is supported by an iron rod that eroded due to rusting; and the rusting of the iron rod led to the expansion of the surrounding mortar, News18 reported.
Officials also indicated that the door and floor of the dome's roof are weakened. Preventive conservation steps will be undertaken after the assessment to address these issues.
Despite the ongoing repair work, the Taj Mahal will remain open to visitors during this period. No water seepage issue was reported after the initial repairs, according to ASI officials.
The preparation of this article relied on a news-analysis system.