Obama Visit: Taj Mahal Spruced up

Agra, Jan 23 (IANS) The Taj Mahal and its surrounding areas are being spruced up ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit to Agra.

Besides, the fresh spell of rainfall has also helped 'cleaning' the Taj Mahal as it washed away all the dust, giving the monument a fresh look.

The dust on the shrubs and trees in the Taj Mahal complex has been washed away by the rain and the entire surrounding now appears greener and soothing to the eyes.

Though the rains have also washed away the fresh coat of paint on the side walls along the pathways of the Mall road and from tree trunks, it also brought down the dust level.

"Now the whole area beyond the Fort and Mehtab Bagh looks greener and fresh," said tourist guide Ved Gautam.

For the past one week, the Agra Municipal Corporation has been busy cleaning the places surrounding Taj Mahal and the VIP road from the airport to Fatehabad road, where many hotels are located.

"The whole stretch from the Kheria airport to the Shilpgram and beyond to the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal looks washed, cleaner and pleasing to the eyes," said hotelier Sandeep Arora.

The rains have come as a blessing at the right time, he added.