Agra, Aug 2 - Yet another mega project in the name of promoting tourism around the Taj Mahal has run into trouble with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) opposing a plan for a ropeway behind the world famous monument.

The project, to build a ropeway, a suspension bridge across the Yamuna river and a giant ferris wheel for an aerial view of the Taj, was apparently drawn up by the Agra Development Authority without seeking clearance from the ASI or the Supreme Court.

ASI superintending archaeologist A.R. Siddiqui told IANS: 'We are clear and categorical that we will not allow any such project in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal. Clear-cut guidelines and rules are there which we need to follow.'

'They have not asked us for any clearance or no objection certificate. The ADA vice chairman even claimed that the DG ASI was in agreement with his projects,' he said.

'The question does not arise,' said Siddiqui.

ADA vice chairman Tanvir Zafar Ali announced plans for ropeways - from the 17th century Taj to the Mehtab Bagh across the river and another to Agra Fort. A series of preliminary studies and surveys have been carried out by experts of the Usha Breco group.

Tanvir Zafar Ali, while announcing the project, has also spoken about his discussions with Supreme Court amicus curiae Krishna Mahajan and his reported agreement to the ropeway.

However, Krishna Mahajan told IANS on phone from New Delhi: 'Tanvir met me and I told him to get Supreme Court clearance first and then talk about the project. I never agreed. I am in fact surprised how he has gone on record saying the Supreme Court would approve of the project.'

ADA officials say the projects are needed to boost tourism. Only a small percentage of the tourists visiting the Taj go to other monuments in Agra, they maintain.

Last year, more than 3.7 million tourists visited the Taj, the iconic monument to love. 'Once you have a ropeway connecting monuments on the other bank of the river, tourists will not only save time and traffic snarls, but enjoy the trip on a cable car,' said an official who was not willing to be identified.

'Tourists wanting to visit monuments behind the Taj Mahal in Mehtab Bagh area need not take the time-consuming circuitous route via the Strachey Bridge if the plan of the Agra Development Authority to construct a ropeway materialises,' said Rakesh Chauhan, president of the Hotels and Restaurant Association of Agra.