A three-member team from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) visited the Taj Mahal complex on Saturday to conduct a study on the monument's carrying capacity. This initiative comes amid growing concerns over crowd management and follows a recommendation by the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to minimize damage caused by the increasing number of visitors.
Background of the Study
The CEC had earlier recommended imposing a cap on the number of visitors and submitted its proposals to the apex court. In line with the Supreme Court's directives concerning the vision document case, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) decided to commission a survey through IIT Delhi experts and subsequently approached the institution.
Survey Details
Kalandar Bind, ASI's senior conservation assistant, informed that experts from IIT Delhi's civil engineering department spent over two hours at the complex. During their visit, they examined the main mausoleum and assessed the East Gate entry point to determine the time taken by a tourist to enter the Taj premises. They also observed the duration tourists typically spend at the Royal Gate and other key areas. The team is now preparing a detailed report, which is expected to be submitted soon.
Dr. Smita Kumar, Superintending Archaeologist of the Agra Circle, added that IIT Delhi was tasked with determining the ideal number of tourists allowed inside the mausoleum and the monument complex at any given time.
Current Visitor Statistics
According to records, approximately 25,000 to 30,000 tourists visit the Taj Mahal daily. This number often exceeds 50,000 on weekends and public holidays, especially since entry is free for visitors below 15 years of age on those days.
Previous Studies and Measures
In 2015, the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) submitted a report on carrying capacity and crowd management. However, following the CEC's recommendations, a fresh study has now been conducted by IIT Delhi experts. To control overcrowding at the mausoleum, the ASI had implemented an additional fee of Rs 200 on December 10, 2018, based on NEERI's report. This measure resulted in a reduction in the number of daily visitors to the main mausoleum.
The new study aims to provide updated guidelines to ensure the preservation of the Taj Mahal while managing the influx of tourists effectively.
