ASI will begin renovation and conservation work for Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri in the midst of lockdown

Conservation work planned by ASI for certain specific historical monuments…learn more…

Tuesday, 20th April 2021

As the historical monuments have been shut down until the 15th of May 2021 because of the current spike in the number of Covid-19 cases, the time will be utilized by the Archaeological Survey of India in the conservation of the renowned Indian heritage places like Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, and Agra Fort.

The goal behind undertaking such conservation work is to enhance the beauty of these monuments for the visitors and tourists to those places once the monuments reopen post lockdown, said a senior official from ASI this Saturday.

On the 15th of April, the iconic monument of Taj Mahal and other such ASI conserved sites, museums, and monuments were closed down and will remain closed until the 15th of May under the initiative of the Ministry of Culture as the number of covid-19 cases has spiked remarkably all across the length and breadth of the country.

"As monuments have been closed till May 15 due to the spike in Covid cases, we will utilize that time in the conservation of Taj Mahal premises, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri," said Vasant Kumar Swarnkar, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Agra Circle, in a statement to PTI.

Swarnkar added, "During the closed period, mud pack treatment will be applied to the main dome of Taj Mahal while conservation of minars in the monument will be done."

"The old stones of pietra dura art at the royal gate will be changed and the royal gate itself will be given a new look," Swarnkar further added.

Also Read: Best places to visit in Pahalgam.

Mud packs are being used on a daily basis by the ASI team to erase the yellowish stains and streaks that have formed on the white marble-made façade of Taj Mahal over the years. The treatment, as is believed by the ASI, will restore the color and natural shine of this magical monument that occupies a special place in the history of India.

ASI’s senior official further informed that Agra Fort’s Fortification Walls too will be renovated along with several other renovation works including the renovation of Diwan-e-Aam, renovation of Musamman Burj, renovation of Amar Singh Gate, and the like.

In the historical city of Fatehpur Sikri, the ASI is likely to undertake conservation works for historical landmarks like Hamam, Samosa Mahal, and the Todarmal Baradari falling within the Mughal-era structure and monument premises.

At the time of carrying out the conservation and renovation works, the staff and workers of ASI will adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines strictly, added Swarnkar.

"The budget for the renovation and conservation of the monuments' premises was about ?1 crore and that was proposed in the last financial year," added the ASI official.

"It will give a new look to the Taj Mahal and other monuments. The initiative would give a 'Wah Taj!' experience to visitors when the monuments will be reopened based on the government guidelines," said Rajeev Saxena, VP, Tourism Guild of Agra in a tone of appreciation.

He also added that last year the pandemic-induced lockdown period was used by the Indian Railways for the renovation and developmental works to gift the travelers an improved travel experience. Similarly, this step that ASI, Agra is likely to take would create a very good impression on the tourists who visit the places once the places reopen, opined Saxena.

The News Talkie Bureau

Source:

Hindustantimes