Buckets placed to check seepage at Ajanta Caves; ASI says paintings safe
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has placed buckets in the Ajanta Caves to manage water seepage during heavy rains. Officials confirmed that the UNESCO World Heritage site's paintings and sculptures remain safe and that the measure is primarily for visitor safety.
Why it matters
Preserving ancient cultural heritage sites is critical, and this incident highlights the ongoing maintenance challenges faced by historical monuments during monsoon seasons.
A viral video showed buckets placed to collect water seeping from the roof of the world‑famous Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, prompting the ASI to clarify that the sculptures inside face no danger.
Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, house paintings and sculptures on the life of Lord Buddha.
Seepage has developed in parts of some caves, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) authorities have placed buckets to collect the dripping water. A video of it went viral on social media on Monday (August 10, 2026).
ASI Deputy Superintendent Dr. Shilpa Jamgade told reporters that the issue crops up during heavy rains.
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