Water seepage in Cave 32, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Ellora cave complex in Maharashtra, threatens its 9th-century Jain frescoes, an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official reported on Wednesday. Located 30 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the Ellora complex comprises 34 Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist caves, with Cave 32 (Indra Sabha) renowned for its intricate carvings and rare paintings. The seepage, observed naturally for the second consecutive year, risks damaging these delicate artworks, which depict Jain Tirthankaras and are among the few painted caves in Ellora, unlike the more extensively painted Ajanta caves.

A tourist guide noted that partial repairs were attempted last year, but ongoing seepage requires urgent action. “The paintings are at risk without comprehensive measures,” he said. An ASI official confirmed that the issue has been reported to the conservation section, with a review planned.

A prior inspection struggled to identify the seepage source due to the cave’s expansive rock-cut structure, carved into the Charanandri hills. Swapnil Joshi, co-convenor of INTACH’s Aurangabad chapter, emphasized the need for immediate intervention, stating, “Ellora’s paintings are rare. We’ve urged ASI to act swiftly to protect this heritage.” INTACH’s earlier letters to ASI highlighted structural vulnerabilities exacerbated by monsoon rains.

The ASI’s conservation efforts are complicated by the caves’ basalt rock composition and natural water channels, with past interventions including chemical treatments and drainage systems proving insufficient. The frescoes, created using lime-based pigments, are susceptible to water-induced fading and plaster deterioration. With 2.5 lakh annual visitors, the site’s preservation is critical to India’s cultural legacy.

Also Read: BJD Seeks ASI Apology for Posting Puri Jagannath Temple Interior Photos

Also Read: No ASI Record of Privately-Owned Heritage Homes, Govt Confirms