Restore Taj Mahal or demolish it, Supreme Court tells government
New Delhi, July 11 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the Centre and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for not being able to protect the iconic Taj Mahal, issuing a warning it will "shut it down" and the authorities should "demolish or restore" the Mughal structure.
The apex court was unhappy as the Uttar Pradesh government failed to come out with a vision document to protect the Taj Mahal.
A bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Deepak was upset with the authorities for not taking any step to preserve the Taj Mahal and said its "sheer lethargy" on the part of the authorities.
"There is absolutely no willingness to protect the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal has to be protected. Either we will shut it down or you demolish or restore it," the bench observed.
The court said the Taj Mahal is more beautiful than the Eiffel Tower and could have solved the country's foreign exchange problem.
"Eighty million go to watch Eiffel Tower which looks like a TV Tower. Our Taj is more beautiful. If you had looked after it your foreign exchange problem would have been solved.
"Do you realise the loss caused to the country due to your apathy?," observed the bench.
The Uttar Pradesh government had earlier told the bench that it would place before the court a draft of vision document on protection and preservation of the Taj Mahal that was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Saying it would hear the case next on July 31 on a day-to-day basis, the bench told the Centre to furnish full details of the steps taken and action it intends to take for protecting the Taj Mahal.
The court also sought personal appearance of the chairman of Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) -- a 10,400 sq km area spread over the districts of Agra, Firozabad, Mathura, Hathras and Etah in Uttar Pradesh and Bharatpur in Rajasthan -- to explain violation of it's orders prohibiting expansion of industrial units in the zone.
The Uttar Pradesh government had said it was also trying to take care of the environment around the structure so that the historic monument could be there for another 400 years and not just for a generation.
The court has been hearing a plea filed by environmentalist M.C. Mehta seeking protection of the Taj from the ill-effects of polluting gases and deforestation in and around the area.
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Chiranjeevi enters Guinness World Records, recognised as most prolific star in Indian film industry
Hyderabad (PTI): Megastar K Chiranjeevi was on Sunday honoured by the Guinness World Records, which recognised him as the most prolific star in the Indian film industry in the actor/dancer category.
"The most prolific film star in Indian Film Industry-actor/dancer is Konidela Chiranjeevi aka Mega Star (India) achieved on 20 September 2024," said a certificate issued by the Guinness World Records, which was handed over to Chiranjeevi at an event here.
"This moment is unforgettable. I never sought recognition from the Guinness World Records, but it feels incredible to be honored for my dancing. It is dancing that truly made me a star and brought me so many rewards throughout my career," Chiranjeevi said after receiving the certificate.
"All these years of my film career, dance had become part of my life. I still remember dancing in front of legends like Savitri and my first dance steps on screen. I owe this recognition to the directors, producers, music directors, and choreographers who always made sure to showcase my dance performances in films," Chiranjeevi said thanking everyone for the honour.
"Mega star Chiranjeevi has performed 24,000 dance moves in 537 songs in his 156 films in a span of 45 years," sources close to the actor said.
"September 22 also happens to be the day when the mega star made his debut in the year 1978," they said.
Speaking on the occasion, Guinness World Records adjudicator Richard Stenning praised Chiranjeevi’s extraordinary contribution, stating, "after thoroughly reviewing all 156 films and his dance performances, we found this achievement to be officially amazing."
Superstar Aamir Khan, who shared the dais with Chiranjeevi, said he is a huge fan of the star.
"I see him as my elder brother. I was so happy that Chiranjeevi garu is being given this honour and I was really thrilled to know that. If you notice him in any song of his, "his own heart" is in it, and he is enjoying himself," Khan said.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy, and BRS Working President K T Rama Rao were among those who congratulated Chiranjeevi.
Revanth Reddy in a post on 'X' said, "It is a matter of pride for Telugu people that popular movie actor Konidela Chiranjeevi got a place in the Guinness Book of World Records."
In a post on 'X', Kishan Reddy said "Megastar for a reason! Congratulations to one of the most admired Indian film star Sri K Chiranjeevi Garu on being recognised as the Most Prolific Film Star in Indian Film Industry, Actor / Dancer. 24000 dance moves in 537 songs in his 156 films in a span of 45 years - This is simply incredible! This is an iconic feat. Your legacy will be an inspiration for generations.@KChiruTweets".
Chandrababu Naidu in a post on 'X' said "I extend my heartiest congratulations to Mega Star and Padma Vibhushan awardee, @KChiruTweets Garu, on being recognised by The Guinness World Records as the Most Prolific Film Star in Indian Film Industry, Actor/ Dancer. He has made an unparalleled contribution to Telugu cinema with his grace and artistry. This recognition not only adds another feather to his cap, but it also elevates the pride of Telugu people all over the world."
Chiranjeevi is one of the top stars of the South cinema, having worked in over 150 feature films in Telugu as well as Hindi, Tamil and Kannada.
Some of his popular films include "Rudra Veena", "Indra", "Tagore", "Swayam Krushi", "Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy", "Stalin" and "Gang Leader".
He was bestowed with the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, along with Indian cinema icon Vyjayanthimala, in May this year.
He was previously honoured with Padma Bhushan in 2006.
