'Funnily, they want to take over Waqf monuments': Owaisi slams ASI over Taj Mahal water leakage

NEW DELHI: After reports of water leakage from the main dome of the Taj Mahal , Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday slammed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for its inability to adequately maintain and protect the world heritage monument.

"This is like failing a 10th class exam and applying for a PhD!," remarked Owaisi on ASI's argument of taking over Waqf properties.

"Archaeological Survey of India earns hundreds of crore from Taj Mahal but this is how it treats one of the biggest symbols of Indian culture. Funnily, the same ASI argues that Waqf monuments should be taken over by it so that it can maintain them. This is like failing a 10th class exam and applying for a PhD!," the All India Majlis Ittihadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

A senior ASI official told TOI on Saturday, "Survey of the main dome was conducted using a drone. Rust was observed on the base of the finial. This rust formation could have led to the development of cracks in the stone, causing water seepage. Repair work of this crack will now be undertaken to prevent future water leakage. Moisture was observed inside the main tombs, indicating the possibility of a fine crack on the stones of the dome."

Rajkumar Patel, the Superintending chief of ASI Agra circle, attributed the leakage to the continuous rainfall in Agra and dismissed any concerns about structural damage to the main roof. "Yes, we have witnessed the leakage in the main dome. After that when we checked, 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 showing rainwater seeping through the iconic ivory-white marbles of the main dome after heavy rains has been doing the rounds on social media since Thursday.