ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

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

The economics and environment of the Agra Zone, which is home to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri, are now severely hampered by tourism. This study thoroughly examines the spatial aspects of the growth in tourists and the deterioration of the environment in the Agra Zone during the past 20 years. The study examines visitor numbers, spatial concentration, and environmental stress on built and natural environments using secondary data from UNESCO conservation papers, government publications, and scholarly research. We examine the quality of the Yamuna River's water, traffic congestion and pollutants, the rubbish generated and discarded close to cultural landmarks, and air pollution and its effects on marble monuments. GIS-based maps depict visitor concentrations, and data from 2010 to 2023 indicates a rapid, uneven increase that closely resembles signs of environmental stress. The study demonstrates that the advantages of commercial and infrastructural growth over ecological sustainability are often greater when it comes to preserving historic sites and boosting tourism. The Taj Mahal and other Agra locales' air quality index statistics show that tourism is harming the local ecology. Analyses of the rubbish composition at well-known monuments reveal that the majority of the litter is composed of non-biodegradable elements. This indicates poor solid waste management. According to the report, despite their acknowledged shortcomings, regulatory systems such as the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) mitigate the consequences. This study improves our knowledge of the interaction between Agra's environment and tourism by highlighting regional variations in possibilities and problems from a spatial viewpoint. The findings indicate that systematic, sustained efforts are required to conserve history, protect the ecosystem, and satisfy tourists.