DNA
File pic of Taj Mahal by Jessie Rodrigues
- Tourism ministry has launched an ambitious upgrade plan for the monument that recently made the world’s new seven wonders
New Delhi, Dec 13 (mb): With all eyes on the Taj Mahal now that it has been included among the new seven wonders of the world, the government has launched an ambitious upgrade, revitalise and visitor-management plan for the monument. The plan includes removal of encroachments, regulation of traffic, laying of approach roads and construction of toilets and cottages as per world heritage site norms.
The Taj draws the most foreign tourists to India, in the process making Uttar Pradesh the most visited state by foreigners. Over 13 lakh foreigners visited the state last year, most of them just to catch a glimpse of the Taj. Now, the tourism ministry has set a target of 10 million visitors by 2010 and made a special budgetary provision of Rs15 crore for infrastructure upgrade and development of the Taj Mahal area.
“There is an East-West Gate Project sanctioned for the Taj having several components relating to park development, covering of drains, improvement of roads and surroundings,” said a senior tourism ministry official. Most of the projects will be completed by the end of this fiscal.
The roads to the East Gate will be improved by year-end and signages installed at vantage points. Encroachments and dairies near the gate are being shifted and a new shopping complex and Shilpgram will be constructed in the vicinity.
Take a trip: