Mysuru: Selfie-crazy tourists visiting Archaeological Museums at Hampi, Vijayapura, Badami, Aihole, Srirangapatna and Halebeedu, will have to keep their selfie-sticks and mobile phones in their bags only from now on, as selfies have been banned here.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has banned selfies at 46 museums curated by the Department, which includes even the Mumtaz Mahal, Swatantrata Sangram Sanghralaya, Purana Killa and Indian War Memorial Museum in Delhi and Agra’s Taj Museum, among others. Also, it has brought in restrictions on the use of monopods, tripods and flash lights in the premises.

According to reports, the new policy decision was made to ensure that the artefacts on display are not damaged.

The ASI has also decided to charge Rs. 750 each for photos of artefacts at its museums used for commercial purposes. Photographers have to inform the ASI every time the image is published or displayed.

To film at such sites, the ASI has imposed a non-refundable fee of Rs. 50,000 per day per museum. This includes a refundable security deposit of Rs. 10,000. To shoot at the sites with a camera crew, those interested have to seek permission from authorities 15 days ahead of schedule.

However, when Star of Mysore contacted Gavi Siddaiah, Deputy Director (in-charge), Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, Mysuru, he said that they had not received any communication from ASI in this regard.