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ASI objects to shooting range near Taj Mahal
by Brajesh Kumar Singh

     Agra: Authorities of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Agra, have sternly objected to the functioning of a shooting range and training camp of the paramilitary Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in the restricted vicinity of Taj Mahal. This shooting range and training facilities have been set up in the southeast corner of the Taj Mahal where the Akbarabadi Mahal Begum's tomb is located. Reportedly the CISF personnel have set up several exercising facilities and allied systems related to physical training. ASI officials contended that the CISF officials had never sought permission for this. "Security personnel are for providing security to the monument not for damaging it. We will not tolerate is someone tries to damage it," said Devkinandan Dimri, Superintendent, Archaeological Survey of India, Agra. Meanwhile, a lawyer has planned to file a petition before the Supreme Court about the illegal structures put up by the CISF. "This is an unlawful activity and it is against the provisions of Ancient Monument Act. We will take this issue to the Supreme Court," noted K D Sharma, a Supreme Court advocate of Agra. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. 20,000 marble stonemasons, artisans, and other workers toiled for 17 years to build this snow-white monument that was completed in 1648.
-June 11, 2009

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