December 29, 2001	Saturday	Shawwal 13, 1422

AGRA, Dec 28: The Taj Mahal could have its fabled marbled dome and minarets covered with dark cloth as a protection against possible bombing raids should war break out with Pakistan, official sources said on Friday.

The Taj was camouflaged during the 1971 war, and sources at the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) office in Agra said arrangements were being made to repeat the exercise given the current military tensions.

“The Taj Mahal would be covered, if required, by a large cloth so as to camouflage it from the view of any enemy aircraft,” an ASI source said.

“Ladders have already been arranged and special ropes are being brought in to Agra,” the source said.

“These are precautionary steps being taken to meet the situation, in case it arises.”—AFP