Power problems undermine security at Taj Mahal

Agra: Tourism circles and conservationists are concerned about the safety of the Taj Mahal in the wake of terror attacks in a number of Indian cities, the latest of which claimed 24 lives in the capital New Delhi.

Because of frequent power shutdowns here, the electronic surveillance system, metal detectors and CCTV cameras at the Taj don't function for hours on end. Some months ago, a couple of CCTVs were reported stolen. At any given time, three of the six cameras don't work.

The power backup is inadequate as diesel generators are not permitted and no alternative sources of power supply have been provided. In the evenings, there is total darkness in and around the Taj Mahal, which is about a three hours' drive from New Delhi.

"Without alternative power supply this problem cannot be resolved," says an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) worker.

R.K. Dixit, ASI's officer in-charge at the Taj, said: "There is no alternative arrangement for light but we are planning to install solar panels soon."

The Central Industrial Security Force personnel in charge of internal security of the Taj are always under pressure, especially on days when there is a big rush, sources said. The marble monument to love attracts around 2.5 million visitors every year.

A source said: "In the past, demands have been made to provide alternative power supply connections to the Taj Mahal but so far no concrete action has been taken. You need proper lighting all around the Taj complex, specially after dusk."