Six months after restrictions were imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taj Mahal was opened for tourists under strict guidelines of social distancing and using of facial masks.
“Taj Mahal and other historic monuments in Agra opened today after six months of closure due to the pandemic. In the initial hours, tourists inflow to the Monument of Love was low but we are expecting an encouraging footfall in a week,” Agra’s District Magistrate Prabhu N Singh told this reporter over phone on Monday afternoon.
The white marble architectural marvel was closed in March after lockdown was imposed across the country to slow down the spread of novel coronavirus. With the government deciding to Unlock various sectors, there was demand from tourism industry to open the Taj Mahal along with other monuments like Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
“A maximum of 5,000 visitors will be allowed entry in two shifts a day. Not more than five persons will be allowed inside the mausoleum which has graves of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz,” Singh said.
“Tourists will go through thermal checking at the main gate and also get their hands sanitised. An ambulance would be available for the tourists for emergency,” the official said.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official AN Gupta said that the majestic sheen of the monument was ensured during lockdown along with manicuring of the sprawling lawns.
“Now, we are ready to welcome tourists with Covid guidelines. The visitors have been asked not to touch railings and dispose of tissue papers, gloves and used masks in dustbins only,” Gupta said.
“The gates of the monument were opened at 6:30 am but only a handful of visitors made their way in. We did not expect a large crowd today. But the opening of Taj Mahal is a big event not only for tourism but also for local businessmen,” Gupta said.
Taj Mahal has attracted tourists from across the globe. Many dignitaries too visit this monument of love during their visits to India. The last dignitary to visit the monument was US President Donald Trump and wife in February this year.
Emperor Shah Jahan had Taj Mahal built between 1632 and 1654 for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, after her death. He also planned on being buried next to her and the complex house their graves and a mosque, along with several other graves of lesser Mughal royalty.
The stunning monument is India’s biggest tourist draw and registers about three million visitors each year.