NEW DELHI : In the history of 370 years of its establishment, Taj Mahal in Agra for the first time has been served notice against property tax and water bills.
Members of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), believes there's some sort of mistake made by the concerned department, which will be remedied soon. Several units under the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Yogi Adityanath has released notices for due payments against both Taj Mahal and the Agra fort.
According to source, ASI has been advised to clear an amount of more than Rs 1 crore in 'dues'. Raj Kumar Patel, superintending archaeologist of ASI, Agra, informed that two notices have been issued against Taj Mahal, one for water supply and the other for property tax. One notice for Agra Fort has also been issued till date.
The official was certain about a mistake made by the concerned department as taxes don't apply for monuments, whether it be house tax or property tax. This provision is applicable for Uttar Pradesh, too.
Dr Patel further stated that, Taj Mahal has no such water connection that is linked for any commercial purpose. Maintenance of the lawns inside Taj premises are solely for the public and there is no scope of dues.
As per the ASI officials, the historic monument of Agra Fort, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site, has been advised to pay more than Rs 5 crore as tax. The palace was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638.
According to sources, an investigation has been ordered to dig out the matter and find out on what basis these tax notices has been served on both the historic monuments.
A senior municipal officer also mentioned that, a private company in collaboration with the government has issued the notices.
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