JOIN USTourists visiting historical sites and protected monuments can now take photographs within their premises.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has allowed photography within the premises of all centrally protected monuments and sites, withdrawing its previous order restricting photography by visitors.
However, photography at mausoleum of Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves and Leh Palace will continue to remain prohibited.
The reversal of the ASI decision comes hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing an event organised to inaugurate new building of ASI headquarters on Thursday, wondered why such bars were placed on tourists.
Why shackle?
“Today, with the use of technology, photograph of a scooter parked in Delhi can be taken along with its number from space; I wonder why photography is prohibited at our monuments,” Modi said.
Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma and ASI Director General Usha Sharma were present on the occasion.
“In a partial notification of the previous order, it has been directed to allow photography within the premises of all centrally protected monuments/sites. However, photography shall not be permitted in Ajanta Caves and Leh Palace having paintings, and mausoleum of Taj Mahal, Agra,” the ASI said in an office order.
ASI has a total of 3,600 monuments and other sites under its protection across the country.