Khaleej Times 11 August, 2004
After a gap of 20 years, tourists may once again be able to view the Taj Mahal by moonlight.
The administration of the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, where the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's marble memorial of love for his wife Noor Jehan stands, is keen on keeping the monument open at night during its 350-year anniversary.
The year-long celebrations begin on September 27 to coincide with World Tourism Day.
Night visits to the Taj Mahal were stopped in 1984 for security reasons. Those who have seen the white marble monument on a full-moon night vouch for the sight as memorable.
A team of officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Uttar Pradesh Tourism and the state administration visited the Taj Mahal Saturday to check out the feasibility of keeping it open five nights a month.
This would include the night of the full moon and two days before and after.
Uttar Pradesh tourism minister Kokab Hameed said the monument could not be kept open all nights as it was a World Heritage site and artificial lighting was not permitted since this it may cause damage.
India's Supreme Court, before which a Public Interest Litigation is pending, has said it could consider giving permission for night viewing if the state and federal governments come up with a viable scheme from the security and environmental point of view.
"We will be immediately submitting a fool-proof scheme in collaboration with the ASI and the federal government so that Taj Mahal is opened for night visits from next month onwards," Uttar Pradesh Tourism secretary Aloke Sinha said.
He said if the court and federal government gave permission for night viewing, the state administration would organise dance, music and other cultural extravaganzas near the monument on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the celebration year. |