Authors

• Arti Kaushik, CSIR-National Environment Engineering Research Institute, Delhi Zonal Centre, New Delhi
• Sunayana Chandra, CSIR-National Environment Engineering Research Institute, Delhi Zonal Centre, New Delhi
• Sanjeev Kumar Goyal, CSIR-National Environment Engineering Research Institute, Delhi Zonal Centre, New Delhi

The concept of Carrying Capacity has been used by many developed nations for assuring future development in a sustainable manner. Basic to this concept is the objective of having a balance between resources and environment so that the human race can live sustainably on this planet. In this study, Agra, one of the million plus cities of India, one that has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites with heavy footfalls, has been studied for its carrying capacity. The SAFE model was used to estimate the land carrying capacity for the city for its projected population of 2021 and 2031, taking into consideration the floating population as well. In the study, the ‘Dynamic Indicator Method’ and ‘Polygon Composite Indicator Method’ were used to estimate the carrying capacity based on critical indicators selected. The study ranked the vulnerable indicator responsible for poor urban carrying capacity of Agra and suggested measures to restore those indicators under different components such as resources, ecology, infrastructure and environment.