The Akhilesh Yadav-led Uttar Pradesh government has drawn up a comprehensive plan for the beautification of areas around the Taj Mahal monument in Agra.
The plan was finalised at a meeting chaired by Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Javed Usmani in Lucknow on Saturday.
It includes upgradation of all roads leading to different gates of the 17th century monument that draws over seven lakh foreign tourists and at least 46 lakh tourists from different parts of India every year.
Other tasks that will be undertaken under the proposed Tourism Infrastructure Development Project include widening and beautification of roads, installation of new lampposts, benches, underground laying of all electrical cables along the route, laying of new sewer lines, plantation of trees and creation of parks and green patches .
Creation of tourist shelters with modern toilets, provision of drinking water facilities and multi-lingual signage showing directions and public amenities are also included in the plan.
"The shilp-gram area, where local artisans were provided space to sell traditional handicrafts, will also be upgraded and care would be taken to ensure that the work matches international standards," said an official spokesman.
According to him, the state government has earmarked a fund of Rs 135 crore for the purpose.
"A blue-print of the plan would be ready in the next 10 days," he added.
