Humayun's Tomb, all aglow, all yours till 10 p.m.

By Lalit K. Jha

NEW DELHI, JUNE 2. Yielding to popular demand, particularly from foreign tourists, the Archaeological Survey of India has decided to keep Humayun's Tomb here open for the public up to 10 p.m. daily from this coming June 12.

Billed as a bold move to promote night tourism in illuminated monuments, ASI's decision has been welcomed by tour operators who have suggested extension of timings of other city monuments as well, including the historic Qutab Minar which at present is open from dawn to dusk.

Says the ASI Director-General, Ms. Komal Anand: ``A formal order in this regard has already been passed. Officials of the Delhi Circle have been instructed to complete the requisite formalities and have the infrastructure in place at Humayun's Tomb.''

A carefully designed lighting system funded by the Oberoi Group of hotels was inaugurated amid much fanfare on December 14. But as Humayun's Tomb continued to be closed daily at sunset, a large number of tourists who wished to visit this World Heritage monument when illuminated have had to return disappointed.

``It is not Qutab Minar, which can be seen from afar. Only those having access to certain rooms in a neighbouring luxury hotel were able to see the illuminated Humayun's Tomb till now,'' says a tour operator.

According to Ms. Anand, this is part of ASI's attempt to not only link monuments with tourism but also promote ``night tourism'' with an eye on foreign tourists. ``And a beginning towards night tourism is being made with Humayun's Tomb because of its popularity with foreign tourists.''

ASI has also decided to impart a facelift to the entire area and an integrated plan has already been drawn up. The parking space, which right now is in front of the monument's gate, will be shifted and a mini-market with souvenir shops has been planned.

Meanwhile, ASI officials have started making arrangements for facilitating entry of visitors at night. ``We are preparing a movement plan. Initially movement would be restricted to the main area of the monument,'' says the Superintending Archaeologist (Delhi), Mr. A. K. Sinha.

Though there are a couple of other garden monuments in the country which are open till 10 p.m., including Bibi Ka Makbara in Aurangabad and Residency Garden in Lucknow, the decision to keep Humayun's Tomb open at night is seen as the first major attempt to promote night tourism.

According to Ms. Anand, attempts are also being made to restore the original look to the gardens lacing this exquisite tomb with some help from the Aga Khan Trust for Cultural Heritage, Geneva, under the aegis of the National Culture Fund. Special care is being taken in this regard as the Humayun's tomb complex is India's forerunner of the garden tomb concept -- with the Char Bagh (grid of squares) lay-out, channels and fountains -- that was later immortalised by Taj Mahal.

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