Heritage conservationists and green activists have urged the Agra Municipal Corporation to introduce a tourist tax to fund various pollution control measures and green Agra, the city of love and beauty.

In a memorandum to the municipal corporation chief, they have explained that "This move aims to harness the economic potential of tourism to drive positive change and development in the city."

Read in Hindi: प्रदूषण नियंत्रण के लिए पर्यटक प्रवेश शुल्क लागू करने की मांग

The proposal, submitted to the Agra Municipal Corporation, seeks to address the pressing need for enhancing civic amenities and pollution control measures.

Agra's thriving industrial economy suffered a permanent blow after the Supreme Court intervention in the MC Mehta PIL, in 1994, when all polluting industries were shut down and a set of restrictions imposed.

Air pollution and river pollution continue to remain high as resource crunch has stalled several major schemes.

The city, famous for its cultural heritage sites like the Taj Mahal, attracts millions of tourists each year. However, the local community has not been able to fully benefit from the economic potential of this thriving tourism industry. The current scenario, where the Archaeological Survey of India and the Agra Development Authority collect toll fees without sharing these funds with the local government, undermines the capacity of the municipal corporation to provide essential services and infrastructure for its residents.

The introduction of a tourist city entrance fee aligns with global trends, as several European countries are considering implementing similar tourist taxes to address the challenges posed by over-tourism. The funds collected through this entrance fee should be directed towards various projects aimed at enhancing the overall visitor experience in Agra while simultaneously improving the quality of life for the local population.

The proposed entrance fee will serve as a sustainable source of additional revenue that supports the municipal corporation in tackling significant resource constraints. By investing in infrastructure development, Agra can enhance the overall tourist experience and create a more livable and sustainable city for its residents.

The success of this proposed tourist city entrance fee hinges on transparent and accountable management of the funds collected. The municipal corporation must prioritize the allocation of these resources towards initiatives that have a tangible impact on improving the quality of life in Agra, fostering economic opportunities, and preserving the city's cultural heritage sites for future generations.

By introducing this tourist city entrance fee, Agra Municipal Corporation can pave the way for a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city that benefits both residents and visitors alike. It is a strategic step towards transforming Agra into a model tourist destination with world-class civic amenities and a memorable experience for all who visit its historic sites.