ASI, CISF, home ministry review Taj Mahal security

     New Delhi/Lucknow, Dec 15 (IANS) Senior officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the union home ministry Monday met in New Delhi to review the security measures at the Taj Mahal to prevent any terror attack on the world heritage monument.

     "In view of the recent Mumbai attacks, we were required to take a fresh look at the overall security scenario in and around the Taj Mahal. After a detailed survey, we felt the need to beef-up the security, both in and around Taj Mahal," a home ministry official told IANS.

     Currently, 180 CISF personnel are deployed at the monument in Agra at all times. There is now a proposal to have an additional 90 CISF men to guard the marble wonder.

     "Concern was also expressed over the need to increase the night security, particularly on the five nights of the month when visitors are permitted to enter the monument at night," the official added.

     Night viewing of Taj was facilitated on the full moon night as well as two nights before and after that day.

     Until 2002, the security of the monument that draws millions of tourists from across the globe was in the hands of a private agency hired by the ASI.

     However, the entire internal security of the 17th century monument had been entrusted to the CISF following intelligence inputs about the Taj being the target of certain terrorist groups.

     Indo-Asian News Service

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