Tourism fraternity demands to open monuments

Aurangabad, Nov 27:

The historical monuments in the Aurangabad district are closed for almost nine months due to the Corona crisis. The livelihood of hundreds of people is dependent on tourism and its subsidiary industries. The tourist places across the country are opened for tourists now. Hence, the tourism fraternity from the district demanded to the government to open the monuments in the district.

Briefing the press, the Aurangabad Tourism Development Foundation president, Jaswant Singh Rajput said, two world heritage monuments including Ajanta and Ellora and other monuments, are in the Aurangabad district. Several families depend entirely on tourism. They are facing severe hardship now. The tourism industry has incurred losses to the tune of crores of rupees until now. The tourism fraternity has been demanding for the past few months to open the monuments following the safety guidelines. However, it has not received any positive response except mere assurances, he said.

Various organizations staged a virtual protest on Thursday. Around 50 representatives of various organizations, including Aurangabad Tourism Development Foundation, Restaurant and Hotels Association, Ellora Guides Association, Ajanta Guides Association, Shopkeeepers and Hotels Association and others participated in the protest. A memorandum of demands will be send to the concerned authorities and ministries, informed Jaswantsingh Rajput.

The official of the Ajanta Guides Association, Ahrar Hussain said, the Konkan beaches, Elephanta Caves and various forts in the state have been opened, but the historical monuments in the Aurangabad district have not been given permission until now, which is unjust, he said.

Sunil Chaudhary, Amod Basole, Ahrar Hussain, Makrand Apte, Papinder Singh Nitti and others were present during the press meet.