Tour guide express concern over plant growth on marble wall of Taj Mahal

Plant growth on the marble wall of the Taj Mahal's central dome has raised concerns about the monument's maintenance after a tourist shared a photo on social media. The plant, sprouting between the marble stones on the northern side of the dome, appeared just days after rainwater seeped through the ivory-white structure, causing droplets to reach the tomb below.

Tour operators and organizations are questioning the conservation efforts in place. Shakeel Chauhan, national general secretary of the Tourist Guide Federation of India, commented, "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 urged for immediate conservation work following the rainy season.

Rajkumar Patel, superintending archaeologist, stated that all plants on the mausoleum's walls were removed in August. "This plant has appeared in the last 15 days and will be promptly removed," he assured. A tourist guide noted that displaced inlay stones near the plant could lead to further damage if not addressed quickly.


Plant growth has also impacted Agra Fort, with a retired ASI official warning that if plant roots aren't removed, they could cause long-term structural harm.

Additionally, the roof of a toilet at the Taj Mahal's Shilpgram parking lot collapsed on Tuesday due to heavy rain, although no injuries were reported. The Agra Development Authority has closed the toilet for repairs. Tourists also encountered waterlogging at the monument's assistance center on Wednesday.