All centrally protected ASI monuments to reopen from June 16

All centrally protected monuments, sites and museums under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which were will reopen from wednesday, June 16.

“All CPMs, sites & Museums under @ASIGoI to be opened from 16th June 2021. The opening will be in strict compliance with local administration orders (sic),” ASI said in a tweet. In its order, the ASI further said that the opening of monuments will take place in compliance with the COVID-19 protocols and under the guidelines issued by the state/ UT disaster management authorities.

The sites were closed in April due to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India. However, with COVID cases declining, the ASI has decided to reopen the sites.

Visitors will be able to book entry tickets online and no offline booking facility will be available, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official said.

The body temperature will be checked through a thermal thermometer. Besides, the shoes of the tourists would be properly sanitised,” Superintending Archeologist, Agra Circle ASI, Dr Vasant Kumar Swarnkar told PTI.

“Tourists would not be allowed to touch any object inside the Taj Mahal and other monuments and sites. They have to follow social distancing norms while sitting as well,” he added.

Last year, all monuments and sites were closed due to the COVID-19 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.