Taj Mahal vicinity to be revitalised: Tourism Ministry

New Delhi, Dec 12 (UNI) The Union Tourism Ministry has decided to step up efforts for revitalisation and visitor management in and around the vicinity of the Taj Mahal, the majestic 17th century Mughal monument at Agra.

Union Tourism Secretary S Banerjee made an onsite inspection of the ongoing works in Agra, followed by a meeting convened by the Centre to discuss a further action plan. The meeting was attended by senior officials of the district administration, Archaeological Survey of India, ITDC, CPWD and CISF.

The meeting decided to complete the trekking route to the Taj Mahal by January 31 next year and complete works related to road improvement by December 31. Sufficient number of toilets would be provided at the Shilpgram Complex while the new shopping complex would be ready by January 31 next year.

The work in Taj Khema, related to construction of eight cottages, would be completed by February next.

The meeting also decided to work out a scheme for providing extra entry rows to avoid long queues for easy entry to the East Gate.

Proper signages would be installed at prominent locations and would be prepared keeping international standards and uniformity in mind.

The meeting also explored the possibility of shifting dairy owners from the East gate of the Taj Mahal.

A drive would be launched for cleaning Agra city with special emphasis on areas near heritage sites, and to make clean and green the peripheral area of the Agra Fort.

UNI