The Uttar Pradesh Pro-Poor Tourism Development Project was initiated to unlock the economic potential of the state’s rich cultural and heritage assets while ensuring inclusive growth in economically disadvantaged regions. The project focuses on improving tourism infrastructure, public spaces, and basic services in a manner that benefits both local communities and visitors, while adhering to environmental and social safeguards.

Within this framework, an assessment was undertaken to review the Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plans (ARAPs) prepared for selected subprojects in Agra and the Braj Region, ensuring compliance with the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and good international practice.

Spatial Decisions conducted a detailed review of the environmental and social categorization of subprojects to assess consistency with the ESMF requirements. The assignment included evaluation of compliance with environmental and social safeguards during construction, operation, and maintenance phases. We assessed the adequacy of existing ESMPs and ARAPs, identifying gaps and recommending practical, implementable measures to strengthen mitigation, management responsibilities, and monitoring arrangements. The work also involved reviewing implementation status reports and examining how design consultants incorporated safeguard measures into Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). Best practices and potential enhancement measures were documented to improve overall environmental and social performance of the tourism subprojects.

The assessment strengthened the quality and effectiveness of environmental and social safeguard implementation across tourism subprojects in Agra and the Braj Region. By identifying gaps, reinforcing compliance, and recommending improvements, the assignment supported more responsible project execution, reduced social and environmental risks, and enhanced inclusive and sustainable outcomes of pro-poor tourism development in Uttar Pradesh.