Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Buckets placed at Ajanta Caves after rainwater seepage; paintings safe
The Ajanta Caves are very old caves carved out of big rocks in Maharashtra, India.
They are famous all over the world and are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Inside the caves, there are beautiful paintings and statues that tell about Lord Buddha.
When it rains a lot, water sometimes drips down from holes in the rocks into the caves.
So the people who take care of the caves, called the Archaeological Survey of India, put buckets under the dripping water.
A video of the buckets spread quickly on the internet.
Some people wondered whether the old paintings were in danger.
A scientist from the ASI, Dr Shilpa Jamgade, said the paintings are safe.
She explained that the buckets are there so that visitors do not slip on the wet floor.
The ASI also cleans drains above the caves so that less water gets in.
A viral video on Monday showed buckets placed to collect water seeping from the roof of the Ajanta Caves in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said seepage develops in parts of some caves during heavy rains because the caves are rock-cut.
ASI Deputy Superintendent Dr Shilpa Jamgade said the buckets are a precaution so that tourists do not slip.
She clarified that there is currently no danger to the paintings and sculptures inside the caves.
The ASI said drains above the caves are cleaned periodically to keep water from entering the rock cavities.
- Who
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) authorities, including Deputy Superintendent Dr Shilpa Jamgade.
- What
- Rainwater seepage developed in parts of some Ajanta Caves, and buckets were placed to collect the dripping water; ASI said the paintings and sculptures are safe.
- When
- A video of the seepage went viral on social media on Monday, and the news was reported on August 11.
- Where
- Ajanta Caves in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- Heavy rain causes water to come down from cavities in the rock-cut caves; buckets are placed as a precaution so that tourists do not slip.
Public Concern
Official Assurance
Safety of the murals amid seepage
Public Concern
The viral video raised questions about whether the ancient paintings inside the caves could be damaged by water seeping in from the roof.
Official Assurance
ASI says there is no danger to the paintings; the seepage is a recurring issue during heavy rains and the buckets are placed only so that tourists do not slip.
- Location
- Ajanta Caves, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra
- Incident
- Rainwater seepage from the roof in parts of some caves
- Response
- Buckets placed by ASI to collect dripping water
- Status of paintings
- Safe; no danger according to ASI
- Official statement
- Dr Shilpa Jamgade, ASI Deputy Superintendent
- Heritage status
- UNESCO World Heritage site
- Cave content
- Paintings and sculptures depicting the life of Lord Buddha
- Preventive measure
- Drains above the caves cleaned periodically
