ASI, UP govt to give Taj Mahal a make-over

Taj Mahal is all set to get a facelift with the Archaeological Survey of India, local administration and Union tourism ministry putting in joint efforts towards optimum development of the monument of love.

"Among the world heritage sites in the country, Taj Mahal is one of the most important. So optimum work has to be done by the Archaeological Survey of India, the Agra Development Authority and tourism ministry," Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Ambika Soni said today.

"The ASI is in the process of identifying land around the Taj and acquiring it to create a green patch around the historic site," the minister said, adding that the heritage site will also host a variety of cultural activities like folklore performances, entertainment packages including light shows and a night bazaar for tourists.

Observing that the 17th century monument was visited by nearly 32 lakh tourists in the last calendar year, of which 6.5 lakhs were foreigners, Soni, who was on a day-long trip to the city, also underlined the need for an international airport in Agra, which also houses other archaeological heritage sites like Fatehpuri Sikri and Agra Fort.

The minister said establishment of facilitation centres at the different gates of Taj Mahal comprising restrooms, shops, multi-media outlets and other utilities was also being taken up with the help of ASI.

"The facilitation centre at the east gate has been completed at the cost of Rs two crore. But it could not be made available for tourists as Supreme Court has not given permission for its functioning," ASI officials, accompanying the minister, said.

"When courts come in-between we have certain limitations. In fact after holding discussions with all the concerned parties we will tabulate the suggestions and put a comprehensive proposal before the Supreme Court to seek a solution," Soni said.

She said the tourism ministry and ASI have joined hands with the UP government to ensure early completion of infrastructure development in the city so that tourists coming to Taj Mahal have a pleasant experience.

The Centre annually earmarks Rs 62 crore to ASI for the upkeep of the nation's heritage sites, the minister said.