The Red Fort will be shut for the public from July 21 to August 15 till the Independence Day celebrations are over, according to an order from the Archaeological Society of India, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and security reasons. Usually, the fort stays shut for the public for a week before Independence Day, however, this time around the duration has been increased to pace up the security. The Delhi Police in a letter on July 12 had suggested that the fort be shut from July 15 due to the COVID pandemic and security reasons.
Several other monuments have been shut in the past due to the raging pandemic. Around 3693 monuments and 50 museums across India were shut for around two months. However, On June 16 the ASI had approved to reopen the monuments with suitable COVID related guidelines in place. Major monuments, including the Taj Mahal and other centrally protected monuments, are now open for public visitors. Meanwhile, ASI has issued a set of guidelines and norms that have to be strictly adhered to by the authorities and visitors. Tickets to visit the monuments can only be purchased online and tickets will not be available for offline purchase.
The Delhi Police has also beefed up the security, given the farmers protesting on the borders of Delhi to avoid any untoward incident similar to Republic Day violence.
News Source : Business Standard
