Union Minister Mahesh Sharma today said steps to develop Mehtab Bagh, situated on the opposite bank of the Taj Mahal, would soon be taken to attract tourists who can have a grand view of the iconic world heritage site.
The MoS of Tourism and Culture said he was impressed with the site and would like better connectivity for the tourists along with recreational facilities developed at Mehtab Bagh which "deserved" to become popular with the visitors.
Interacting with the tourism industry leaders this evening, Sharma said policies to curb the number of photographers at the Taj Mahal, install turnstile gates, check tout menace, and implement the NEERI recommendation to restrict visit to the iconic monument for two hours would be announced soon.
He asked the Archaelogical Survey of India to clean up the debris from the 80 acres of Taj corridor between the Taj and the Fort.
The minister wanted the Yamuna riverfront developed and a ghat for 'puja' and 'aarti' constructed to bring locals back to the river.
Agra Development Foundation President KC Jain told PTI that the minister had promised speedy clearance of various proposals to boost tourism in Agra.
Action will be initiated to tap the Mantola drain near the Taj Mahal.
A citizens' committee will cooperate with the district administration to check illegal touts, 'lapkas' and canvassers harassing tourists.
'Wake Up Agra' president Shishir Bhagat, who presented a memorandum to Sharma, said that the minister had agreed to support Yamuna cleaning programme and help provide a platform at the river bank for 'pujas' and 'aarti'.
Sharma said he would talk to ASI officials to find out how an artificial park has been developed at the rear of the Taj Mahal which has distanced the river from the main monument.
Responding to a question, the tourism minister said he would consider opening a centre of the national tourism university coming up at Noida.
