The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to ban carrying water bottles into the main mausoleum of the Taj Mahal. This decision is aimed at preventing further incidents related to jalabhishek, a holy water ritual that certain people have repeatedly performed, as per reports.

According to the new rule, visitors and guides cannot bring water bottles from the Chameli Farsh area of the Taj Mahal up to the main dome. This move comes in response to recent controversies surrounding the monument.

For instance, two people were recently arrested for performing a ritual with Ganga water at the mausoleum. They claimed that the Taj Mahal was originally a temple that was later converted into a mausoleum by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

Meanwhile, the ban on water bottles has met with criticism from different sectors. From tourist guides to tourist associations, people have lashed out at the authorities for shifting focus away from enhancing vigilance.

According to reports, the ASI has been suggested to focus on ensuring the strict surveillance of the core area instead of banning water bottles, which serve as a saviour in hot and humid conditions. Reports further suggest that the move can have health aftereffects if people are deprived of carrying water, given the rising temperature and intense heat that envelop the area.

(With inputs from multiple reports)