Another Taj project runs into trouble

Agra: Yet another mega project in the name of promoting tourism around the Taj Mahal has run into trouble with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) opposing a plan for ropeways behind the world famous monument.

The project to build ropeways - suspension bridges across the Yamuna river - and a giant ferris wheel for an aerial view of the Taj, was apparently drawn up by the Agra Development Authority (ADA) without seeking clearance from the ASI or the Supreme Court.

ASI superintending archaeologist A.R. Seddiqi told IANS: "We are clear and categorical that we will not allow any such project in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal.

"Clear-cut guidelines and rules are there which we need to follow."

"They have not asked us for any clearance or no- objection certificate. The ADA vice-chairman even claimed that the DG ASI was in agreement with his projects," he said.

"The question does not arise," said Seddiqi.

ADA vice-chairman Tanvir Zafar Ali announced plans for ropeways - from the 17th century Taj to the Mehtab Bagh across the river and another to Agra Fort. A series of preliminary surveys were carried out by experts of the Usha Breco group.