Taj Mahal: an epitome of love for all ............not really  

Agra: Taj Mahal, an architectural delight , is regarded and recognized as an epitome of love by millions the world over. ...but not for 34-year old Ashok or 38-year old Imraan nor for Pushpa, Ajay, Ramveer, Luv Kush and Arti and hundreds of others young andnot-so-young ones residing in five villages situated in the vicinity of this grand monument.

It may sound queer but fact remains that the very presence of Tajmahal around their abodes has proved to be deleterious to their matrimony alliances--the reason for them to loathe this magnificent 17^th-century mausoleum, built by Mughal King Shahjahan in the memory of his beloved wife Noorjahan. It is altogether different proposition that the monument , came into existence out of matrimonial emotions, has been instrumental in stalling hundreds of matrimonial alliances.

As matter of factly, about two thousand youths hailing from Ahmad Bukhari, Nagla Paima, Garhi Bangas, Nagla and Nagla Talfi villages, situated on the eastern gate of Taj Mahal, have to remain single as they are not getting their matches because their villages are placed under severe security, environmental and other restrictions due to their proximity to the protected structure.

The Supreme Court had already issued orders about restrictions on vehicular movements in 500 meter radius of Taj due to which the two-way access of these villages limit people to visit here. The families of prospective brides resist giving their daughters to these villages because the vehicles are stopped one kms from the villages and similarly, the bridegrooms family avoid coming here.

The situation has resulted into hundreds of youths have been rendered unmarried thus creating an aura of dislike towards Tajmahal realising that the presence of the monument is a stumbling block in the way to their respective matrimony.

Restrictions:

• According to the ruling of Supreme Court, no vehicle without permit can enter within 500 meter radius of Taj Mahal.
• Every vehicle coming to these villages are thoroughly checked.
• Villagers have to walk at least 1.5 kms.
• People are not at all interested to get their daughters married to the youths of these villages.

Complaint to the Chief Minister.

• The villagers had complaint to the district administration as well as to the Chief Minister but their efforts went in vain.
• The youths even tried to chalk out some alternative but they failed due to the restrictions imposed by the Apex court.
• The restrictions have many times claimed lives but still noting has been done from the district administration’s end.

What villagers say?

“My marriage was fixed but the girl’s family had stepped back after they came to know about the villages,” said a 34-year-old Ashok.

There are many Ashok, Rizwan, Munna and Salman in these villages.

The villagers get their daughters married through community marriage.