Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal, has long been a key contributor to India’s potato production, accounting for 27 per cent of Uttar Pradesh’s total output. Yet, despite its agricultural significance, local farmers have struggled with low profits, seed shortages, and post-harvest losses. Now, a breakthrough promises to transform the region’s potato industry—the approval of the International Potato Centre’s South Asia Regional Centre in Singna village. 

Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal and over two million residents, faces a water crisis of unprecedented proportions. The sacred Yamuna River, once the lifeblood of the city, now lies choked and poisoned, a victim of systemic neglect, unchecked urbanisation, and political indifference. 

The long-awaited ferry or cruise service for tourists visiting Agra could soon become a reality. Backed by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and championed by local activists, this ambitious proposal promises to transform Agra’s tourism scene while delivering economic and environmental benefits.

How many tourists visit Ram Bagh, Etmad-ud-Daulah, Chini Ka Rauza, or Mehtab Bagh? Shouldn't the Tourism Department be concerned...

The growing encroachment on Agra’s streets and sidewalks has thrown the city’s infrastructure into disarray. From Sadar Bazaar to Belanganj, Hospital Road, and Paliwal Park, street vendors and hawkers have taken over footpaths, forcing pedestrians to walk on busy roads, risking their safety.

Agra environmentalists and river activists issued a stark warning about the city’s deteriorating environmental conditions, reflecting a broader global crisis. The alarm bells ringing in Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, underscore the urgent need for remedial measures to save Planet Earth from the escalating threats of climate change, pollution, and unsustainable development.