Archaeological Survey of India to fine tourists exceeding 3-hour visiting limit at Taj Mahal. Details here

Gone are days when one could stare for hours at India's official wonder - white (turning grey) marble tribute of Emperor Shah Jahan to his wife Maumtaz's memory - Taj Mahal.

Earlier this week, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has issued a circular stating that visitors who spend more than three hours at Taj Mahal will w be charged an additional fee.

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Speaking to reporters, Basant Kumar, superintendent at ASI has revealed that turnstile gates have also been introduced to prohibit unauthorized entry into monument.

"7 turnstile gates have been installed at both East and West entry point. 5 gates are for exit. For entry of foreign tourists, re are separate gates. Entry is only through token which is valid for three hours, exceeding which, a visitor is required to recharge it at counter at exit gates," he said.

As per earlier records, visiting hours were t bound by any time limit from opening time (30 minutes before Sunrise) to closing time (30 minutes before sunset).

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This has caused a major uproar among Indian and foreign tourists, many citing that this would discour tourism and decline revenue.

Speaking to ANI, Mohammad Mustafa Hussain, a tourist from Hyderabad, said, "A person comes here for relaxation and to spend some time. If sightseeing is limited to three hours and charges are so much n anyone will think twice before coming here."

monument is already facing severe stress due to effects of acid rain which has caused discolouration of Taj Mahal's marble structure. In February, Supreme Court had slammed Uttar Pradesh government for poor maintenance of Taj Mahal.

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Earlier, government had quoted Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):

"Pollutants from various sources have been superficially depositing on marble surface of Taj Mahal as particulate matters and due to scattering of light by se particles, marble surface of Taj Mahal appears to have changed in colour".

While re exists a 'Taj Trapezium Zone' where strict emission rules exist, implementation of rules is lacking, causing furr deterioration of mausoleum.