AGRA, Aug 17: Authorities in Uttar Pradesh want to reopen Taj Mahal for public viewing on full moon nights, officials said on Tuesday. "We are optimistic about the idea and as night viewing of the Taj would boost tourism, we stand in its favour," said D. K. Burman, joint director of the state's tourism department.

Excursions to the Taj at night have been discontinued for about two decades due to threats posed by various Indian insurgent groups. Agra's local administrator, Niteshwar Kumar, said the paramilitary Central Industrial Security Force had been tasked with drawing up a plan to protect the Taj from attack should it reopen for night viewing.

"We are ... hopeful that night viewing of Taj will be a possibility in the days ahead," Mr Kumar said. "We could have special tickets at the Taj for full moon nights and entry could be restricted," he added.

But tourists hoping to head to Agra for a night view of the breathtaking 17th century mausoleum will have to await a green light from India's Supreme Court, which has to decide the issue. -AFP