Taj Mahal’s Independence Day twitter debut stuck, no ASI nod for launch yet

Twitter India has already informed Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav about its decision to hand over the @TajMahal handle to the state government. It also proposed to launch the Twitter handle on the eve of Independence Day from Taj Mahal in Agra.

The state government approached the ASI of Agra Circle seeking permission to shoot the Taj Mahal through drone cameras. “We had requested the ASI to grant permission for the event as it will be an exclusive programme dedicated to the Taj Mahal. We are yet to receive permission and are still trying,” a government spokesperson said.

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Stating that it was a sensitive issue beyond their jurisdiction, Dr Bhuvan Vikrama, Superintendent Archaeologist, ASI Agra Circle told The Indian Express: “Taj Mahal is a no-flying zone and we cannot allow a drone over it. It is a sensitive issue and we cannot take the decision. The matter has been referred to the New Delhi office and the ministry for further decision. I have not received their response yet.”

Twitter India’s head-news, politics and government, Raheel Khursheed in a letter to Akhilesh had requested that the social networking giant has planned a special periscope activation to announce that the handle is now live and broadcasting.

For this, a live streaming through drones will be conducted for relaying live feed of the Taj Mahal every hour on the eve of Independence Day. The activity is expected to generate a lot of excitement and buzz, Khursheed had written.

It was planned that the CM will launch the handle officially from Lucknow on Independence Day. The event was also supposed to be telecasted live on LED screens across Lucknow. Later, the handle will be used by the state tourism department to attract national and international tourists.