Tourists visiting India's Taj Mahal alarmed by honey bees

The iconic Taj Mahal and other historical monuments are alarmed by the number of honey bees around them.

Though many complaints have been lodged by the visitors in the past, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has not taken the threat seriously, according to the tourist guides.

ASI sources said that a proposal with estimates of expenditure is pending at the headquarters for some months.

Only last year, bees attacked visitors at the royal gate entrance to the Taj Mahal.

A local resident has even complained to the Ministry of Culture, demanding the immediate removal of beehives at the Taj which pose a threat to the safety of tourists.

Tourist guide Ved Gautam told IANS that beehives have always been there but precautionary measures were taken to ensure the safety of the visitors.

The one at the Mehmankhana (guest house) on the east side of Taj Mahal has always been there, as also the one at the entrance gate of Akbar's tomb, Gautam said.

Not just bees, dogs and monkeys also continue to be a major nuisance at the Taj.

Old timers recalled several attacks by bees, which caused panic. Only last year, bees attacked visitors at the royal gate entrance to the Taj Mahal.

"Bees attack only when there is serious provocation from someone. In normal circumstances, they mind their own business," a retired ASI staffer said.

Not just bees, dogs and monkeys also continue to be a major nuisance at the Taj. Few days ago, photos of stray dogs loitering in the Taj were widely circulated on social media. Last year, there was a huge controversy over some CISF personnel being given catapult training to shoo away the simians.

Indo-Asian News Service