Question : HISTORICAL MONUMENTS IN AGRA

(a) the details of recommendations made by the Supreme Court for the protection of Taj Mahal in Agra;

(b) the action taken in this regard;

(c) whether Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has proposed to prepare a plan to promote the viewing of historical monuments at Agra in view of the forthcoming Common Wealth Games, 2010;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether historical monuments situated at Trans Yamuna area of Agra has less visitors;

(f) if so, the reasons therefore and the steps taken in this regard;

(g) the details of monuments in Agra having Cultural Notice Board and not having the Notice Boards; and

(h) the steps taken to instal Cultural Notice Boards in these monuments?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR PLANNING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)

(a)&(b) The Supreme Court has given several directions from time to time in connection with the protection of Taj Mahal. These include, among others
(i) restrict construction activities near Taj Mahal;
(ii) prohibit petrol/diesel vehicular traffic within 500 meters radius of Taj Mahal;
(iii) create green-belt around Taj Mahal;
(iv) remove commercial activities, shops etc. from the premises of Taj Mahal;
(v) ban polluting industries, brick kilns within 20 km radius of Taj Mahal.

The Archaeological Survey of India has compiled with the directions of the Supreme Court.

(c)&(d) No specific plan has been chalked-out by the Archaeological Survey of India. However, all the basic tourist related amenities viz. drinking water, toilets, wheel chair, ramps for physically challenged person, signages, etc. have already been provided at all the protected monuments in Agra and Fatehpur Sikri.

(e) No, Sir.

(f) Does not arise.

(g)&(h) The cultural notice boards have already been provided at all the ticketed monuments in Agra. The upgradation of the cultural notice boards is a continues process.