Growing Human Load Seen As Threat To The Taj

Back in 1993, a high-powered committee appointed by the Supreme Court had recommended restrictions on the entry of visitors. For the first time in history, the Taj Mahal got a weekly holiday and visiting hours were limited, including a ban on nocturnal visits.

The Taj needs to breathe and spend a quiet day, the experts had opined. But, owing to popular demand, night viewing of the Taj is now allowed for four days a month.

From a few hundred at the time of India's independence in 1947, the daily influx of visitors from all corners has now crossed 10,000. On some days it goes beyond 50,000.

Historians and conservationists feel the structure is being endangered by the "surfeit of love" and interest showered by its admirers.

Who will decide what is the safe limit? The ASI says that the Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) had been entrusted with the task two years ago and a detailed report is about to be submitted.

These are questions begging answers. Thus, while the tourism industry - both government and private - wants more and more tourists to visit the Taj, conservationists see alarming signals.

READ MORE: Want To Highlight Cheekbones, Try Contour Make-Up and Indian Nautch Girls Inspire JJ Valaya's Finale at IBFW