April 17: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently decided to shut all its monuments, protected sites and museums in wake of the Covid-19 cases continuously rising in the city. The complete shutoff of these sites will be remain will May 15.
This also means that you will have to put your Taj Mahal trip plans to hold as of now. Just behind the United States, India is currently the second most affected country in the world.
With the most recent shutdown of the ASI sites, the country has witnessed the closure of 3,693 monuments and 50 museums. Currently, the government bodies are closely monitoring the situation in order to make necessary changes in the restrictions and guidelines as the covid cases are increasing with each passing day.
Also read: Maharashtra govt. orders closure of Pench, other parks amid state Covid surge
Other sites that are under ASI were open since last July under strict Covid regulations after remaining closed during lockdown 2020. Delhi is the home of 170 historical sites that are controlled by ASI. Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb and the Red Fort together witness approximately 10,000 visitors every day.
As per the reports, many religious places such as Somnath Temple, Puri Jagannath Temple are closed for the devotees, however, the daily puja will continue to happen. Other than this, Red Fort located in Delhi has remained closed ever since January 19, the time when avian influenca was detected in the death crows’ samples.
Given the current situation, the Archaeological Survey of India has taken the right move in order to contain the virus infection in the city. The further extension of the closure of these monuments will be decided only when the situation stays under control after May 15.
