‘Strangely, they want to take over Waqf monuments’: Owaisi criticises ASI over water leak at Taj Mahal | News from India

NEW DELHI: Following reports of Water leak from the main dome of the Taj Mahal, Asaduddin Owaisi struck the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for its inability to adequately maintain and protect the World Heritage Site.
“It is like failing 10th grade and still applying for a promotion,” Owaisi remarked on ASI’s argument for taking over Waqf properties.
Agra has seen two days of continuous rain, causing significant damage to the city’s famous historical sites, most notably the Taj Mahal. The Archaeological Survey of India had placed its staff under “monitoring” on Thursday after water began seeping from the Taj’s main dome.
“The Archaeological Survey of India earns hundreds of crores from the Taj Mahal, but this is how it treats one of the greatest symbols of Indian culture. Interestingly, the same ASI argues that Waqf Monuments should be taken over by it so that it can maintain it. It is like failing in class 10 and still applying for a PhD,” wrote the chairman of the All India Majlis Ittihadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
A senior ASI official told TOI on Saturday, “The main dome was examined using a drone. Rust was found at the base of the finial. This rusting could have caused cracks in the stone, causing water ingress. This crack is now being repaired to prevent future water leakage. Dampness was found inside the main tombs, indicating a possible fine crack in the stones of the dome.”
Rajkumar Patel, the head of ASI Agra circle, attributed the leak to the incessant rain in Agra and dismissed any concerns about structural damage to the main roof. “Yes, we saw the leak in the main dome. Then when we checked it, it was due to seepage and there was no damage to the main dome,” Patel said while talking to news agency PTI.
The 20-second video, which shows rainwater seeping through the iconic ivory-white marble of the main dome after heavy rainfall, has been making the rounds on social media since Thursday.