Maharashtra: This city halves tourist entry at monuments
Premium- The district capped the number of people permitted to enter at half of what was being allowed earlier
The Aurangabad district administration on Monday capped the entry of tourists at monuments during Covid restrictions, according to news agency PTI. The district capped the number of people permitted to enter at half of what was being allowed earlier, an official told the agency.
Speaking to PTI, Collector Sunil Chavan said that the entry of tourists at monuments has been halved or 500 people per session. Earlier, it was two thousand people in total in the morning and afternoon sessions.
MORE FROM THIS SECTIONSee All
Among the historic sites in Aurangabad are Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, Daultabad (Devgiri) fort, Aurangabad caves among others. Ajanta and Ellora Caves are a world heritage site.
On Monday, the district reported 45 cases, five deaths and 109 recoveries. With this, the total tally jumped to 1,46,027, death toll to 3,422 and the recovery count to 1,41,898.
The district now has 707 active cases, while its positivity rate is 2.13 per cent and 6.02 per cent oxygen beds are occupied. The city will have fresh Covid curbs from Tuesday.
From 29th June, all shops will be allowed to operate from 7 am to 4 pm, while a curfew would begin from 5pm. Shops dealing in non-essential items will remain closed during the weekends.
Earlier this month, the Archaeological Survey of India announced that all centrally protected monuments, museums and sites, closed for around two months due to the Covid pandemic, would be reopened on June 16.
There are 3,693 monuments and 50 museums under ASI control across India. An ASI official said visitors will be able to book entry tickets online. However, no offline booking facility will be available.
Last year, all monuments and sites maintained by the ASI were closed due to the pandemic on March 17. They reopened in July with strict restrictions like mandatory wearing of masks, a cap on the number of visitors and social distancing.
The restrictions were relaxed later in the year. However, due to the surge in cases due to the second wave this year, these monuments were closed for the public.
Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!