UP to move SC for closer viewing of Taj at night

New Delhi, Apr 21: The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to approach the Supreme Court to seek a directive for night viewing of the Taj Mahal from a closer range, saying the world's most photographed monument should be a real visual treat in moonlight.

The state government will also approach the court for allowing online booking of tickets for viewing the monument.

''We will move the apex court to reduce the ceiling of 300 meters to 150 meters that will allow people to have a clear view of the 17th century white marble monument of exquisite beauty,'' Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Kawkab Hameeed told reporters here.

The petition would be filed soon in the Supreme Court, he said, adding that legalities for it were being finalised.

Mr Hameed disagreed with the norms laid down by the Archaoelogical Survey of India (ASI) and the Central Government that a closer view of the Taj would pose a threat to the Mughal monument.

''There is a tank located at nearly 150 meters from the Taj, from where tourists photograph the monument. We will appeal to the court to permit people view the Taj from at least that distance,'' he said.

He also contended that the Centre's ''over-cautious'' measures had resulted in the Taj ''going under veil'' for its lovers.

Mr Hameed said online booking of tickets would be of great help for foreign tourists.

Under the existing arrangement, tickets can be bought only the same day.

The minister said the Centre should relax its norms of allowing functions in the vicinity of the Taj. ''The government can increase the permitted distance from 500 meters to 700 meters or more for holding a function but it should not make the process a cumbersome one.'' In this connection, Mr Hameed cited the instance of Latino singing sensation Ricky Martin, who wanted to perform in the vicinity of the Taj, but was denied permission.

UNI