Date:29/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/29/stories/2004092915850300.htm

New Delhi

Moon-lit Taj view not fully eclipsed yet

By Mandira Nayar

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 28. Visitors to the Taj Mahal on its 350th "birthday'' might have missed a special view at night, but if things go according to plan it might be thrown open to visitors by moonlight from October-end.

While the final permission for opening up Taj Mahal at night has to come from the Supreme Court, sources in the Central Department of Culture here revealed that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for its part would have no problem in allowing the monument to be open for night viewing once the Union Home Ministry approves of the security plan.

"There is no problem from the ASI side to open the Taj by moonlight. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will have to provide more security, which will cost a few crore rupees. We have asked the Home Ministry for the security plans, which should take a while to be approved,'' a source said.

Though there have been concerns about the pressure of tourists on Taj Mahal, the ASI seems to have it all sorted out. "Tourists will not be allowed inside the Taj. They will only be allowed to view it from a parapet a little distance away from the monument. The proposal is to keep the Taj open for five days a month. Two days before the full moon night and two days after. But nothing is finalised at the moment,'' a senior official stated.

While it might not be close enough for some, it will at least mark a beginning. The price of the tickets will also be higher to ensure that only serious tourists visit the Taj at night.