AGRA: In an unprecedented move, all Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monuments, including Taj Mahal , which was last shut down during the 1978 floods and before that during the Indo-Pak War in 1971 and the World War II in 1942, were closed for public across the country in a bid to contain the coronavirus pandemic Spokesperson of the ASI, Manu Sharma , told TOI that all 3691 centrally protected monuments including 143 ticketed monuments along with 50 museums have been closed till March 31.According to an order, issued by Director Monument- II, Dr Arvind Manjul , "Keeping in view of Covid -19 coronavirus, ministry of culture decided to shut all ASI monuments/ sites and museums till March 31st with immediate effect”. Also, all the online permissions like filming, free entry, photography, cultural events, issued for this duration shall also be remain cancelled. However, all staff will continue to attend their duties.Talking to TOI, ASI’s superintending archeologist in Agra circle, Vasant Swarnkar, said that first time such decision was taken in view of public health. The monument was closed earlier in 1942 and 1971 during wars. He said, notices have been put across all the monuments fall in Agra circle.According to ASI officials, after coronavirus outbreak, they have been witnessing a considerable decline in footfalls at monuments. The footfall at Taj, the prime revenue earner for the ASI, has seen a decline of 17K tourists from the first week of February to the corresponding week in March.According to officials, around 1.10 lakh tourists visited the monument in first week of February and these figures came down to 93 K in the first week of March.However, tourists, who reached Taj Mahal on Tuesday morning were disappointed after seeing the closure signs. To spend their time, many visited the lesser known destinations including Gyarah Sidi and ADA park to make the best of their visit.A day earlier, Taj Mahal saw a steep decline in footfall, as only 8,709 tourists visited the monument on Monday, as compared to 13,186 on Sunday. The number of foreign tourists also fell down to a mere 1104, 170 less than the preceding day.