Tourism Growth and Environmental Degradation in Agra Zone: A Critical Review of Geographical Dimensions

A critical review reveals that tourism growth in the Agra Zone, home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, has significantly exacerbated environmental degradation over the past 20 years. The study, analyzing data from 2010 to 2023, demonstrates a rapid and uneven increase in visitor numbers, closely linked to heightened environmental stress. Key findings include severe water quality deterioration in the Yamuna River, escalating traffic congestion and pollution, poor solid waste management (with non-biodegradable litter dominating near monuments), and detrimental air pollution affecting marble structures. While regulatory measures like the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) mitigate some impacts, the research underscores a pressing need for systematic efforts to balance tourism benefits with ecological sustainability and historical preservation. Spatial analyses using GIS maps highlight regional variations in challenges, emphasizing the urgent requirement for coordinated conservation strategies.

Yadav, S. S., & Prakash, Prof. P. (2025). Tourism Growth and Environmental Degradation in Agra Zone: A Critical Review of Geographical Dimensions. ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities, 2(10), 175–185. https://doi.org/10.70558/spijsh.2025.v2.i10.45380