The iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh suffered damages due to a thunderstorm on Friday night.
Vasant Swarnkar, Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India stated that the marble railing of the main mausoleum was damaged in the thunderstorm.
The damage to the nine-foot-long marble and six-foot-long two panels of red sandstone railings was caused by iron pipes, which fell from the top due to heavy winds.
The storm that lasted less than an hour also uprooted several trees within the compound. The repairing of the damages will cost about 20 lakhs as stated by the Archaeological Survey of India in a report.
As per officials, the false ceiling of the main mausoleum was also uprooted and a tree fell in Mehtab Bagh and Mariam’s Maqbara of the Taj Mahal.
At least three people lost their lives in the storm. The authorities have decided to compensate the families of the deceased.
“Three people and several animals died. Some houses also suffered damages. We are doing a survey and will compensate for the losses. For kin of deceased, the administration will provide Rs 4 lakh as financial aid,” Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Finance) Yogendra Kumar told ANI.
(Feature image source: Britannica)
