Taj Mahal To Remain Closed Even As Other ASI Monuments Open Across The Country

Under Unlock 2.0, the Archaeological Department of India has announced the opening of monuments and historical sites across the country. But the Taj Mahal, Akbar's tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, etc. will not be opened. The decision has been taken by Agra DM Prabhu N Singh after a meeting with the Department of Archaeology. The Taj Mahal is the most famous tourist spot in the country but is closed since March 17 due to COVID-19.

Agra's Taj Mahal to stay closed for public, even as monuments under Archaeological Survey of India are set to open from today. The decision has been taken in wake of the #COVID19 situation as the monument comes under 'buffer zone' areas, as per Prabhu N Singh, District Magistrate pic.twitter.com/2JFGbNEUq8

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 6, 2020

According to DM Prabhu Nath Singh, it has been decided not to open the renowned 17th-century mausoleum complex till further orders considering the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Akbar's Tomb at Sikandra, Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur and other protected buildings as buffer zones. The Agra administration says that the risk of coronavirus infection hasn’t passed yet.

In Uttar Pradesh, Agra is the first district where COVID-19 cases surfaced. Since then, the situation here has continuously worsened. So far 90 people have been succumbed to the Wuhan-originated virus, while around 1300 positive patients were found.

It is being feared that if the ban is lifted under Unlock 2.0, then there could be a huge influx of tourists and the coronavirus cases may explode again.