Curtail number of visitors to Taj: Chinese minister

Agra, May 18 (UNI) The Chinese minister for Forests and Environment has a word of caution for his Indian counterpart.

Mr Lee Yu Chai today called for India's attention over the hazards caused by the increasing number of tourists to the world famous monument Taj Mahal.

He told reporters here that efforts should be made to save the Taj. Besides afforestation, efforts should be made to check the number of tourists visiting the 17th century monument of love.

Expressing concern over the state of Taj Mahal, he called for the attention of entire world to protect the monument and categorically asked the Central government to look into the lop side of allowing more number tourists to generate revenue.

Mr Lee said he would bring this matter to the notice of the Forest and Environment ministry in a meeting scheduled for today.

He focussed on the need of protection of the endangered species and lauded the efforts of the government in providing suitable environment to bear in Bear Protection Home.

Mr Lee, who was here on a two-day visit, visited Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sekri, Sikandara and Bear Protection Home yesterday.

UNI