Mathura Vrindavan, steeped in Indian folklore to become tourist hotspot

Mathura: It's a land steeped in Indian folklore, a land where Lord Krishna and his 'gopis' (consorts) are believed to have once romped in gay abandon. Now, the tourism ministry is set to spend over Rs.120 crore ($20 million) on the infrastructural development of the Mathura-Vrindavan pilgrimage circuit, a move that will transform the profile of a land visited by millions round the year.

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a Braj Heritage Planning Board to suggest ideas and monitor implementation of projects in the Braj area. The union government has already declared Mathura a heritage city.

Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma at a function held last week told mediapersons that a new international airport would be sited along the Yamuna Expressway that links Mathura to Agra on one end and to Greater Noida on the national capital's outskirts on the other.

Stating that a new circuit centred around the cult of Lord Krishna, part of the Hindu Trinity and one of its most beloved personal gods, is being developed from Akshardham in Delhi to Mathura, the minister said Rs. 120 crore would be spent on developing the "Braj Chaurasi Kos" that includes Vrindavan, Goverdhan, Gokul, Barsana, Nandgaon, Kokila Van, Sher Garh and Mahavan areas.

Mathura's Member of Parliament and Bharatiya Janata Party leder Hema Malini wants the airport to come up at Mahavan in Mathura district on the Expressway. Both the Uttar Pradesh and central governments appear keen to speed up development of the Braj area which draws tourists and Krishna devotees from across the world.

"With so much money pouring in, the profile of the Sri Krishna land is set to change in the coming years," Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society president Surednra Sharma told IANS.

The region, however, has been facing a tough time in the wake of widespread encroachments and traffic snarls for a long time, giving commuters a difficult time while visiting this place.

The authorities have, however, started initiating strong steps now against encroachments.

A major anti-encroachment drive to clear roads leading to Goverdhan and the district's Sonkh town from the national highway, ahead of the month-long festival season, has been launched with discernible results.

"We had written so many times to the district administration but there was no result. Now now it seems the process has begun against encroachment," Braj Bachao Samiti member Rhais Qureshi told IANS.

"Holi Gate, Deeg Gate and Bharatpur Gate areas continue to remain heavily encroached upon. The administration is worried because the annual Mudiya Poonau fair will draw over eight million pilgrims and thousands of vehicles," according to local activists.

"The Mandi crossing was the biggest bottleneck for thousands of daily commuters. The administrative machinery had been reluctant to clear the encroachments due to political pressure," the activists alleged.

In one instance, the "anti-encroachment drive was abruptly halted for some time on the Goverdhan crossing three days ago due to a well-connected roadside hotel owner," a source said.

Denying any such incidents, city magistrate Vinay Kumar told IANS: "We are not afraid of anyone. We demolished the walls and the person who opposed was told in no unclear terms that no one would be spared."

"The campaign will continue and we will remove all bottlenecks," he added.

The entire city is dwarfed by encroachments. Thousands of pilgrims who visit Braj Mandal daily have to face traffic snarls for hours.

According to Vijay Kant Katara, of Braj Bachao Samiti, there is not a single crossing in the city without encroachments. "You cannot even move on foot. Interestingly, traffic policemen are never available to manage the movement of vehicles," Katara told IANS.

The situation in Vrindavan is worse, as motorists from Delhi, Noida and Agra headed for Mathura or Vrindavan these days are facing all kinds of problems. Luxury buses are stranded for hours or are made to hold up by corrupt policemen.

District authorities keep experimenting with traffic plans, though the problem remains, said Mathura residents Ashok Agarwal and Pavan Kumar.

http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2015-06-17/Mathura-Vrindavan-steeped-in-Indian-folklore-to-become-tourist-hotspot-157725

Sri Krishna Janmashtami at ISKCON Bangalore

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Pilgrims visit Mathura on occasion of 'Adhik Maas'

Mathura: As millions of pilgrims visit Brij Bhoomi on the auspicious occasion of "Adhik Maas" from June 17 to July 17, questions are being asked how many experts bodies would be good enough to manage developmental activities in Mathura. 

Adhik Maas is a month long religious functions. In the Hindu calender, an extra month is added after three years. This year an extra Asaadh has been added and it occurs after 19 years.

While local member of parliament (MP) Hema Malini has her own vision of development, the saints of Braj Mandal, international society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) spiritual leaders and Sadhvi Ritambhara, want the original glory and heritage status to be restored. As of now mosts are opposed to the current trend for speedy development.

"Around 21-member experts committee would be formed to give suggestions for development of Mathura and Vrindavan. He has already announced Rs.120 crore for Mathura's infrastructural development," said Mahesh Sharma, union minister of state for tourism.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has already constituted a city level advisory committee for heritage city development. The committee includes all the member of legislative assembly (MLAs), member of parliament (MP), senior officials, representatives of local bodies, GLA university chancellor, Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority vice chairman and secretary, architect Mayank Garg, city anchor Vineet Narain of Braj Foundation, software engineer Ranjeet Singh. This committee will make plans and submit for implementation.

The elected local self government bodies are also busy drawing up their individual plans Mathura, Vrindavan, Govardhan, Sonkh, Gokul and Barsana. Their proposals and detailed project reports (DPRs) are under consideration of various funding bodies.

The uttar pradesh (UP) Awas Vikas Parishad has drawn up a long term development plan for the twin cities. Residential areas are accordingly being segregated and taken up for phased development.

As a part of the Taj Trapezium Zone, the eco-sensitive area of 10,400 sq km around the Taj Mahal, no plan for development can progress without a clearance from the Taj Trapezium Zone Authority that came into existence in 1984 with approval from the parliament after the M.C Mehta PIL on Taj pollution.

"With such a plethora of bodies often at logger heads, how can a coordinated plan for heritage conservation in the Braj area move ahead. This is why, you only see haphazard clusters of mismanagement and inefficiency due to large scale corruption. The Forest department and the UP state pollution control board have a little say in matters relating to urban development," said Surendra Sharma, president of the Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society.

"Instead of creating so many new bodies, filled with too many politicians, the existing nagar palikas, gram panchayats, the zila parishad, and other similar statutory bodies should have been empowered to get the locals involved in the development of their areas. Outsiders can not do justice as they do not have the same vision like locals about Mathura's development," said BBS members in a memorandum to the district magistrate on Tuesday," said Braj Bachao Samiti members.

IANS 

http://zeenews.india.com/news/uttar-pradesh/pilgrims-visit-mathura-on-ocassion-of-adhik-maas_1614424.html

BJP launches cleanliness drive in Mathura

BJP today launched a cleanliness drive here as part of the Narendra Modi government's 'Swachh Bharat' campaign. 

Ahead of the auspiscious Hindu month which begins from June 17, and during which lakhs of pilgrims are expected in the region linked with Lord Krishna, party secretary Shrikant Sharma held meetings with locals, urging them to take measures to keep the town clean. 

BJP also issued an appeal to the Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav-led state government, urging him to ensure round-the-clock supply of power and water besides mobile toilets to cater to pilgrims. 

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"We urged locals, shopkeepers and other stakeholders to take measures to keep the place clean. We also met people coming from outside. We hope pilgrims will have a better exprience this year," Sharma said. 

The BJP team visited places like Braj, Gokul, 'Giriraj ji parikrama' which are associated with Krishna.

http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/bjp-launches-cleanliness-drive-in-mathura-115061400693_1.html

Government decides to develop 'Krishna Circuit' in Mathura

Mathura: In a bid to attract international tourists, the Centre has decided to develop a "Krishna Circuit" consisting of five places related to Lord Krishna in Mathura, Union Minister Mahesh Sharma said.

"The Government has decided to develop a Krishna Circuit from Akshar Dham in Delhi to Brijbhumi in five stages. 'Brij Chaurasi Kos Parikrama' would also be given a facelift after a demarcation of the area," Union Minister for Tourism Mahesh Sharma told reporters on the sidelines of an event daban, Goverdhan, Nandgaon-Barsana, Dauji-Gokul and Mant mini- circuits. After the demarcation of Chaurasi Kos Parikrama, its infra-structure would be developed... Separate roads would be constructed from Expressway to Mathura and Vrindaban," Sharma said.

The Union government is contemplating to establish airport very close to Yamuna Express way, he said, adding that the infra-structure would be developed from airport to Tajmahal.

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/government-decides-to-develop-krishna-circuit-in-mathura-union-minister-mahesh-sharma-1005800.html

10 arrested for planning forcible takeover of Barsana temple in Mathura

Barsana (Uttar Pradesh): Ten members of a gang planning the forcible takeover of the famous Radha Rani temple in Barsana town in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh were arrested and firearms, bombs and live cartridges seized from them, police said on Wednesday. "The arrested persons have been sent to jail," Mathura Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rakesh Prasad Singh told IANS.

The SSP said that a team comprising Superintendent of Police (rural) Ajay Kumar, Chata CO Atul Kumar Srivastav and Barsana SO Rajendra Nagar detained one person, Dinesh Das, on Monday night in connection with the case. Vijendra and Itwari of Kama tehsil in Bharatpur district of Rajasthan were also arrested. Following their interrogation, police arrested six others from Vijendra's house and seized several bombs, .315 bore rifles and live cartridges.

A case under the Arms and Explosives Act was registered against the accused, including Nanha Singh, Vasudev, Mukesh, Nahar Singh, Vinod and Baney Singh. Police said that Dinesh claimed ownership of the temple on the basis of documents, including a will, in his possession. He said he has orders from Chata tehsil court in his favour as well. Goswami Samaj, which manages the temple, however refuted Dinesh's contention and said the documents were "forged". In the past week, Provincial Armed Constabulary and personnel from neighbouring police stations were deployed here in view of the tense situation over the temple issue.

http://www.mid-day.com/articles/10-arrested-for-planning-forcible-takeover-of-barsana-temple-in-mathura/16280190#sthash.ADmspONM.dpuf

Ambiguity prevails among goshala owners in Mathura

Ambiguity prevails among goshala owners after authorities declared Mathura a 'Cow protected zone' last month. 

"Those who go to the Rural Development Office... Return disillusioned because the cows and gaushalas are not on the priority list of the district authorities," Braj Bachao Samiti president Manoj Choudhary said. 

The district was declared a 'Goshala Kshetra' or cow-shelter region by Commissioner Bhatnagar. 

The Gaushala owners also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) Andra Vamsi demanding arrangement of fodder at subsidised rates for the 20,000 odd cows and they had faced a shortage of good quality fodder. 

However, Vamsi said, the government was already giving subsidy on gobar gas plants and goshala owners should take measures to convert cow dung into precious compost manure and market it to increase incomes. 

"We are soon going to send 15-20 farmers to learn techniques of arid region farming at the National Institute in Hyderabad. The local farmers should know how to cope with problem of hard water, brackish water and what techniques to adopt to face water scarcity," Vamsi told PTI. 

Tej Pal Singh, an NGO functionary, said "the problem of domestic waste could be solved at the source if vermi-compost units were set up in all the villages. The manure produced by the earth worms now commands an attractive price and has a big market. Farmers need to be encouraged since the raw material is locally available.

http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ambiguity-prevails-among-goshala-owners-in-mathura-115060800451_1.html

Realty high in Krishna’s city

The Yamuna Expressway has not only proven to be a perfect landing strip for IAF’s supersonic fighter jets, it has also made the real estate fortunes in cities like Vrindavan and Mathura take off to touch new heights. With the Expressway cutting down commuting time between these cities and Delhi considerably, a large number of buyers are now considering these temple towns as options for second homes. All this is evident from the heightened real estate activity and launch of new projects in these cities over the past couple of years after the Expressway became operational. 

Vrindavan, which is at a distance of about 164 km from Delhi and 10 km from Mathura, has taken a lead in this regard with over a dozen residential projects under construction at the moment which include a couple of integrated townships also. The city suffused with the imprint of Lord Krishna and his consort Radha, holds a special place in the hearts of Krishna worshippers from all over the world. 

Demand drivers

Each year millions of devotees visit this small town which is fast becoming a bustling city with multi-storey apartment blocks and commercial centres springing up on the outskirts of the city. According to experts a majority of buyers are from Delhi and other cities in UP as well as NRIs  as only 15-20 per cent of buyers are from Vrindavan. “The demand here is mostly from the buyers in Delhi and NCR region who are looking for a second home here where they can come on weekends and enjoy the spiritual ambience of the city”, says Ravindra Chamaria, Chairman & Managing Director, Infinity Group, that is investing 1,000 crore on Krishnabhoomi project in Vrindavan. Apart from this the refinery in Mathura as well educational institutions like GLA University, Rajiv Gandhi College and School, KG Dental College also generate demand in the realty sector.  Growth of industry is another positive factor for the growth of real estate sector here. According to real estate experts industry in this belt is likey to grow at a rate of over 40 per cent over the next four to five years and this will not onl6y mean more jobs and influx of workforce but also a demand for housing options. “The infrastructure proposals connecting the three cities – Delhi, NCR and other parts of Uttar Pradesh - have aided this demand. This includes the operational Yamuna Expressway and the widening of NH-2 (underway)”, says Mohit Goel, CEO, Omaxe Limited. 

Market contours

With local as well as national level players launching their projects the buyers have a lot to choose from in terms of residential units as well as the  price range. “There is something to fit every pocket here right from Rs 1800 per sq ft to Rs 3100 per sq ft”, says Ramesh Mishra, who runs a property consultancy in Vrindavan. Most of the residential projects by private as well the government schemes offer one, two, three BHK apartments, villas, studio as well as serviced apartments. The market has witnessed 25-35 per cent growth over the past couple of years, according to local property dealers.

Projects and pricing

A mix of ancient and the modern is one of the chief characteristics of Vrindavan city as one can see ancient temples as well as modern ones with musical fountains and laser lighting; traditional chappan bhog and kachori and lassi shops alongside fast food joints and saffron clad ascetics rubbing shoulders with skirt and denim-clad modern-day gurus. This confluence of cultures is also evident on the realty scene. So while on the one hand there are a large number of traditional ashrams, home-stays ,old havelis and cobbled streets there are also multi-storeyed apartment towers , villas and penthouses. Several local players are developing  relatively smaller residential projects  national players like Omaxe and Kolkata-based Infinity group have high-end products on offer.   The Infinity group is part of the Krishnabhoomi project wherein ISKCON will be constructing 700 ft high 'Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir', which will be the tallest Krishna temple in the world. The 114-acre project will have temple over 70 acres and residential development on 44 acres by the Infinity group. The work on the project is in full swing. It will have 800 apartments in 11 towers and 568 studio apartments in the price range of Rs 20 lakh and Rs 63 lakh for 3 BHK apartments. It will also have 140 villas in  3,500 sq ft area and priced between Rs 1.75 and Rs 5 crore.

The Omaxe group has 95-acre Omaxe Eternity integrated township project underway on Chatikkra Road. Over 150 families are already living in the township with over 70-80 families visiting regularly on weekends. Ready second floor apartment in the project cosats Rs 14.5 lakh, while first floor and ground is for Rs 25 lakh. According to group’s local spokesperson the prices have appreciated considerably over the past three years. “The price at the time of launch was Rs 6.6 lakh at launch and today it is Rs 25 lakh”. The phase II will have 114 two BHK flats. Krishna Crest has commercial serviced apartments with assured return for  Rs 4,600 and Rs 4,500 per sq ft for fully furnished apartments.  A number of residential projects are coming up in Rukmini Vihar locality and projects like NRI Greens  by Shri Group, Krishna Greens and Sharnam by Giriraj Group also have families living in there. Goverdhan Vas apartments is another residential project that was launched in May 2014. 

Several government developmental projects in the area are also eyeing tourist investment in real estate sector, which hasincreased the investment potential of the holy city of Vrindavan. 

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/real-estate/realty-high-in-krishna-s-city/86922.html

Rs 130cr to spruce up Mathura

Mathura: A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a huge gathering at Farah, his government has pledged Rs 130 crore to initiate a slew of infrastructural projects in Mathura. 

Local MP Hema Malini said the funds would be primarily used to promote tourism in the region. Malini, who had organized the Mathura Mahotsava last month, said the cash injection would "promote tourism, bolster the local economy and raise the profile of Braj region". 

The BJP lawmaker said it was because of her activism that the Modi administration declared Mathura a heritage city and allocated money to build roads. 

However, many people were left disappointed over lack of any action to clean the Yamuna. Saints and ascetics of Barsana, spearheading the Yamuna Muktikaran Abhiyan, said the PM Modi had "betrayed their faith" because he failed to announce any measure meant to clean up the river. 

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/Rs-130cr-to-spruce-up-Mathura/articleshow/47443594.cms

Burning of garbage banned in Vrindavan: Green Tribunal

Vrindavan: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned civic garbage burning in the holy town of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. 

It has restrained Vrindavan local municipal body from burning domestic waste in the open. The order, which came on Monday was made available on Wednesday. 

Counsel for petitioner Rahul Choudhary told IANS that the NGT had given interim orders on a petition filed by activist Madhumangal Shukla. 

"It was a matter of grave urgency and the NGT was requested to give a direction before the court takes a break for summer vacation," Choudhary said. 

The NGT has also restrained civic authorities and private construction firms from dumping debris on the banks of the Yamuna river. 

Shukla alleged that the land mafia were encroaching the river bed by piling debris on the ghats. 

Activists have long been complaining to the district administration that the land grabbers in the holy town of Vrindavan were piling up garbage on the river bed and have extended ncroachments right into the river. 

Mathura's Braj Bachao Samiti has welcomed the NGT direction and hoped it would help check encroachment on the river bed. 

Braj Bachao Samiti president Manoj Choudhary said the flood plains too need to be cleared of encroachments, and for this a separate application is being filed before the NGT. 

Meanwhile, the Vrindavan municipal workers, when told of the NGT directive, said they have no idea what to do with the waste and garbage. 

"Almost half of the garbage was burnt at several sites and the remaining was dumped along the river bank," said Dinesh, a sanitation worker. 

However, Vrindavan Nagar Palika chairman Mukesh Gautam aid: "It is all nonsense. There is no encroachment on the river bank. It is all big lies by blackmailers who don't want Vrindavan to develop."

http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2015-05-28/Burning-of-garbage-banned-in-Vrindavan-Green-Tribunal-153781

Malini wants heritage look for Mathura railway station

BJP MP Hema Malini today said that she wants Mathura railway station to be developed in such a way that it reflects birthplace of Lord Krishna.

"Mathura railway station should be a blend of heritage look with modernisation like escalator and better waiting rooms for general class passengers. Instead of taking rest on the ground, the passengers in general waiting rooms should be provided benches," Malini said.

"Mathura station must be developed in such a way that it reflects birthplace of Lord Krishna," she added.

She was here to inaugurate third entry systems with ticket booking facility at Mathura station.

Stressing on the need to make the station neat and clean, she appealed to the passengers not to spit on the pillars.

Appreciating the catering system, the MP said that for other facilities she would discuss with the Railway Minister.

The MP suggested that more coaches should be added to trains running between Mathura and Vrindavan.

Agra's Divisional Railway Manager Prabhash Kumar said that he will try to get funds from MPLAD for giving a heritage look to Mathura station.

"For maintaining cleanliness at Mathura station, washing apron system of boulders is in operation," he said.

He refuted the charge of mass cancellation of tickets owing to Gujjar agitation.

"While most of the trains are commuting on Agra-Bina-Nagda route, few are passing through Bandikui and Jaipur," he said.

He informed that the work of 113 rail underbridges and overbridges in Agra division has been given green signal by the Ministry of Railways.

Clearance has also been received for connecting circulating area with platform number 2 and 4, the DRM said.

http://www.ptinews.com/news/6075021_Malini-wants-heritage-look-for-Mathura-railway-station.html

Once a land of ponds, Sri Krishna Bhoomi crying out for water today

When cine veteran Hema Malini won the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Mathura-Vrindavan, the first commitment she made was to provide safe and adequate quantity of water for every home and a Yamuna fully rejuvenated and filled with water. As she completes one year as MP from the land of Sri Krishna's legend, voters are asking what happened to the commitment.

Many mohallas and colonies in Mathura, Goverdhan, Vrindavan and Chaumuhan are still short of water. The piped water supply does not touch colonies on the periphery of the towns, which remain totally dependent on ground water.

With the water table falling sharply, the problem gets aggravated.

"Earlier hand pumps were sufficient but now submersible pumps, tube wells and borings are coughing more air than water. No water is available till a depth of 150 feet or more, says river activist Madhu Mangal Shukla.

With the Yamuna being called a "sewage canal" by the residents, the water crisis just gets worse. Even the Gokul Barrage, set up to clean up the water, has not helped either.

Each day, people in some locality or the other have been protesting on the road, demanding uninterrupted supplies.

Despite hundreds of crores of rupees invested in infrastructural development in the eco-sensitive Taj Trapeizium Zone, spread over 10,400 sq km, the districts of Agra, Mathura and Firozabad continue to face acute shortage of power and water.

People in Firozabad are up in arms against the administration, demanding more water. Work on a canal to bring water from the river Ganga is progressing at a snail's pace.

"The problem is not only of quantity but also quality of water in the river. Unless they desilt and dredge the river on a massive scale from Delhi to Agra, the underground aquafiers would not be charged and the water table will not rise," activist Dr Ashok Bansal told IANS.

During summer the drinking water problem in the district becomes even more acute, forcing villagers to walk miles to fetch a pail of water.

Village panchayat member Ram Bharosey in Chaumuhan block says the villagers have been demanding extension of water pipeline network to cover more areas, but to no avail.

Perhaps recognising the gravity of the problem, the district administration is supporting installation of reverse-osmosis (RO) plants where villagers can pay for water. The one inaugurated by the UP chief minister in Goverdhan on March 11 became operational on April 1.

Mathura district magistrate Rajesh Kumar told IANS that the chief minister had sanctioned five more such plants for the Braj area. Each plant will provide 5,000 litres of water daily, which can be raised to 10,000 litres.

"The users will have to pay 50 paise per litre initially. Later it will be reduced to 25 paise per litre," he said.

But such efforts are like a drop in the ocean. Gopal Das, a farmer, says the ground water is hard and undrinkable. "Young people are turning old, suffering the consequences of hard water. Fluorosis is common from the excessive fluoride in the water."

Ram Beti, another farmer from Chaumuhan, wonders: "What kind of development is this where you do not even have drinking water for the common man?"

Dr M.K Mathur of the public health centre at Chaumuhan says that due to the fluoride, magnesium, arsenic, calcium and other trace elements in the water people are falling sick.

Village leader Ajit Singh says that a large number of people were suffering from chronic hepatitis and typhoid cases had multiplied.

Last week, out of 222 patients examined in a village near Kosi, 92 were found to be hepatitis B and C positive, indicating the poor quality of water. The alarm has put the health authorities in the district on high alert.

Mathura's chief development officer (CDO) Andra Vamsi has asked village level functionaries to hold awareness activities to educate people about water-borne diseases, He has also asked Jal Nigam officials to ensure supply of drinking water through tanks or pipelines to all such villages which have been identified as fluorosis-affected. But such efforts may take a while to bear fruit.

The water woes trail you wherever you go. In the Chata area, a resident, K.K Pathak, says state agencies have hardly helped to solve the problem. Kosi resident B.S Sharma says unless urgent measures are taken, the problem will become too big to tackle. In Nandgaon and Barsana, pilgrims are being fleeced with water bottles selling at a premium.

Shri Gopal of Chaumuhan says "we had big hopes from the Samajwadi Party government, but so far nothing has been done."

In Baldev, Vishnu Dixit had a simple plea: "Fancy development can wait, just give us water."

It's only the villagers of Pasauli who have got together and done something, not waiting for the administration to act. They pooled in money to dig a bore well where water could be reached.

Through a pipeline they brought the water to the village. To run the pump for the borewell, they arranged a tractor. The villagers realised that self-help was the only mantra for progress in the village. Politicians are not going to help.

Pankaj Goswami of Gokul says the Braj Bhoomi was once famous for its dense forests and water bodies. "In the name of development, nature has been the loser and we humans the sufferers," lamented Goswami. It's high time politicians did something concrete and lasting.

http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/once-a-land-of-ponds-sri-krishna-bhoomi-crying-out-for-water-today-115052000327_1.html

People of Vrindavan wait for MP Hema Malini to join them in cleaning streets

When hundreds of people thronged the streets of Vrindavan on November 7 last year to catch a glimpse of Dream Girl Hema Malini, Shukla decided to stick to his daily routine — a visit to Banke Bihari Temple and then cleaning the nearby trash. This is what the 52-yearold priest from this holy town has been religiously doing every day over the last two decades.

Just a few kilometres away, on the main street of Vrindavan, people were jostling for space, trying to click pictures of the actor-turned-politician with their mobile phones. When the BJP member of Parliament from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh picked up a broom to clean the streets, the crowd went hysterical. The launch of one of the prime minister's s pet projects, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, in Vrindavan raised hopes of millions who were looking for salvation from filth and stink.

Cut to May 2015. What started with a bang over a year back has now petered out, if not ended. Roads are littered with garbage, drains are choked with plastic, heaps of filth can be seen lying every 200 metres, pigs and cows can be spotted leisurely feasting on the waste and ubiquitous empty garbage bins have turned into a playing box for monkeys.

Welcome to Vrindavan, some 170 km off Delhi, where faith and filth co-exist, where giant billboards of real estate developers promising luxurious apartments arise out of virgin agricultural fields; where chants of Radhe Radhe defy the stench in the air; and, yes, where people remember Swachh Bharat Abhiyan more as a photo opportunity and nothing more.

"Achha drama tha. Hema Malini ji ne jhadu pakda, photo diya aur chali gayeen [It was a nice drama. Hema Malini picked up a broom, got pictures clicked and then went away]," fumes Shukla, who has been tirelessly trying to bring to the attention of government the problem of garbage disposal on the Yamuna flood plain, the absence of a garbage disposal site and illegal construction by the land mafia. The old landfill site is being converted into a marketplace and the garbage is now being dumped either on the road opposite it or the nearby Yamuna flood bank. (ET Magazine's attempts to contact Hema Malini proved futile.)

"Modiji alone can't clean India. His intentions are good but he lacks a good team," shrugs Shukla, who doubles up as a priest and RTI activist, and who filed a petition in the National Green Tribunal in Delhi last month. The tribunal duly issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government and the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority on the absence of landfill sites and dumping of garbage in flood plains.

As the Modi government completes a year in office, people in Vrindavan are becoming restless and clamouring for some concrete action on the ground. Chandraprakash Sharma, principal at a local Sanskrit school, claims to have met the Mathura MP and made her aware of the problems but with little success. "Look what Modiji has done to Varanasi and its ghats," he says. "Achhe din can be brought only by Modi and not by Hema Malini. She is just a Bollywood actor."

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-05-17/news/62276970_1_garbage-disposal-site-landfill-site-modi-govt

Mathura to become model of sustainable development

VRINDAVAN: Authorities in Mathura have decided to protect cows and their grazing pastures besides taking urgent steps to develop new grazing grounds for cattle in the Yamuna river flood-plains as part of a model for sustainable development.

Divisional commissioner Pradip Bhatnagar revealed the plans at a conference on promotion of organic farming and the cattle wealth of lord Krishna's land comprising parts of Agra district, Mathura, Vrindavan, Goverdhan, Barsana, Nandgaon, Gokul and Kosi.

He warned that the excessive use of chemical fertilisers was creating numerous health problems, including the rising incidence of cancer cases, as in Punjab.

"The Mathura district with a record number of private gaushalas (cattle pens), with more than a lakh cows, generating tonnes of cow dung manure, which was not only safe but could help the soil regain its lost fertility, deserved to be promoted as a model zone of ecological balance and nature based sustainability."

The official said he would shortly constitute a committee of activists, gaushala owners, environmentalists and departmental heads to suggest measures and monitor steps to transform Mathura district as a model of sustainable development.

Bhatnagar said he would not only ban use of polythene in the district but also work on a plan to minimize use of chemical fertilisers.

The conference was attended by gaushala owners, social activists and environmentalists who pleaded for drastic measures to integrate traditional cow economics with modern-day technology.

Goswami Sri Vats, a spiritual leader, said, "Once, the Braj area was identified with forests and cows. Today, both are facing extinction."

Shravan Kumar Singh, of the Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society warned of the danger of 100 per cent mechanisation of agriculture.

Speakers said milk should be a component of mid-day meals. "This could be done if every rural government school had a couple of cows, as most schools in villages have ample space. The milk from cows could be used for mid-day meals."

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/developmental-issues/Mathura-to-become-model-of-sustainable-development/articleshow/47406997.cms

Mathura to be declared Goshala Kshetra

Aimed at protecting cows and to boost organic farming in the region, Agra Divisional Commissioner Pradip Bhatnagar?said Mathura would soon be declared a 'Goshala Kshetra' (cow-shelter region).

Talking to PTI, Bhatnagar said all efforts should be?made to promote organic farming and?encouraging farmers to use cow dung/compost in place of chemical fertilisers.

"We will shortly have training workshops to educate farmers on how to switch over to organic farming. Mathura district has thousands of cows and tonnes of precious resource as gobar is not being put to advantageous use.

"At a later stage we can ban use of chemical fertilisers in the district. In Agra we have already banned burning of cow dung cakes," he said.

"Mathura would be first such district in Uttar Pradesh to be recognised as 'cow protected zone'," he added.

Mathura Chief Development Officer (CDO) Andra Vamsi said, "Plans are being worked out to promote goshalas to run on scientific lines as cows have importance in our agrarian economy and among people of Mathura and Vrindavan."

Vrindavan has around 30 goshalas with over 10,000 cows. In Barsana the goshala run by Maan Mandir has more than 30,000 cows and most ashrams have their own goshalas, he said, adding "Cow economics has been a favourite subject of discussion in the Braj area of Sri Krishna-Radha."

Braj Sharan, in charge of the Goshala at Barsana told PTI, "we have around 32,000 cows right now. The daily output of cow dung is 150 tonnes. We have a gobar plant to produce gas and electricity. Soon we will be selling gobar slurry to farmers to promote organic farming."

While the world was coming back to nature and taking up organic farming in a big way, we were still mesmerised by chemical fertilisers, and so called new ideas which were creating a whole lot of health problems for the people, Sharan said.

http://www.ptinews.com/news/6029459_-Mathura-to-be-declared-Goshala-Kshetra--.html

Mathura road network to get renovated

TNN | Apr 3, 2015

Mathura: In some good news for commuters using Mathura roads to reach religious places like Govardhan and Barsana, the district is expected to see a major overhauling of its road network. 

More than a dozen roads have been identified for renovation. Apart from this, three sites for construction of railway over bridges (ROB) are also in the process of approval. 

Giving this information, Anil Kumar, PWD chief said we will shortly send plans and budgetary estimates to the state government. Details of cost and time frame for the project will be submitted to S P Saxena, regional head of state PWD in Agra, who will then forward it to the state government for release of funds. 

Kumar said the whole exercise will be completed within a month and the work is expected to start before monsoons. The road building exercise has gained a new momentum ahead of the 2017 assembly polls, claimed sources. 

On March 11, chief minister Akhilesh Yadav had accepted the demand for a ring road around the Govardhan Hill and a bypass, along with widening of the 21 km-long Parikrama Marg, which is used by lakhs of people every month. 

A new road from Kosi, Nandgaon, Barsana, Goverdhan connecting Sonkh, Mathura via Raya to the Yamuna Expressway cut, will be converted into a four lane. 

"At present, people coming from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttarakhand via Expressway find it very cumbersome and time consuming to take circuitous routes and bad roads to reach Goverdhan and Barsana. Now it will be a comfortable journey," claimed city activist Manoj Choudhary. 

The other roads are Yamuna Expressway-Vrindavan cut, Gokul Restaurant to Masani link and the Bhuteshwar crossing touching Sri Krishna Janam Bhoomi, Kosi-Nandgaon-Kokilavan, Nandgaon-Kama, Raya-Maant, Sadabad-Raya, Chatikara-Vrindavan. 

The three ROBs are expected to come up at Murga Phatak, Chata-Goverdhan, and Chata-Barsana.

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Bhumi Pujan for two-day Braj Mahotsav performed in Mathura

Press Trust of India | Mathura 

March 31, 2015 

The 'Bhumi Pujan' ceremony has been performed here for the two-day Braj Mahotsav to be held from April 11, which is aimed at promoting the city's rich cultural heritage. 

BJP MP Hema Malini was present during the ceremony held on Sunday at the precinct of Chandrodaya temple here. 

"There is no dearth of potential for tourism in Braj Bhumi. Our effort is to cash in on the potential and use it in promoting tourism," she said. 

"Every effort is being made to ensure participation of noted Bollywood stars in the festival. When the program would be aired on TV worldwide, people would be lured to visit Mathura," Hema said. 

Former Uttar Pradesh minister Ravi Kant Garg today said that Mathura is the model of eco-tourism. 

"Neither state nor Union government so far, ever tried to tap the tourist potential of Braj Bhumi. With 12 forests and 24 semi-forests, Braj Bhumi is the model of eco-tourism," he said.

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Hema inaugurates UP’s 1st water ATM in Mathura

MATHURA: Lok Sabha member Hema Malini on Monday launched a drinking water dispensing ATM at Sonkh, about 20km from Mathura. This is Uttar Pradesh's first water ATM, which has been built at a cost of around Rs 18 lakh. 

Sonkh town area committee executive officer Ram Asrey Kamal told TOI that people will have to pay just Rs 2 for 20 litres of drinking water. "It will be safe, cool and potable. Children will get the water for free." 

Nearly 2,500 families will benefit from the machine, which will like an ATM be operated with a card, which will be pre-paid. Sonkh presently gets piped water, which is pumped from a location about 10km from the town. 

The district administration is also considering providing water that has gone through the RO (reverse osmosis) process in villages too. DM Rajesh Kumar has forwarded a plan to use solar energy to power the RO plants in villages to the state government. The UP Jal Nigam will execute the project. The initiative is based on a central survey report. 

Malini, addressing locals after the inaugural ceremony at the Vidhya Mandir ground here, appealed to residents to help in making Braj an ideal cultural and religious centre. The parliamentarian expressed concern over the rising incidences of crime against women. On the contentious land acquisition bill, the BJP MP said she would raise the problems, faced by local farmers, with her party. Nagar panchayat president Shiv Shankar Verma, then, listed the problems faced by locals that needed to be addressed urgently and handed it over to Malini.

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Committee to be formed for protection of monuments in Mathura

MATHURA: A committee would be formed to protect ancient monuments and propagate local culture, an official of the Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA) said today. 

"The committee after formation will decide the kind of programmes to be undertaken to promote culture. It may be on the lines of Taj Mahotsava,," MVDA Secretary S B Singh said. 

Another committee to maintain cleanliness around monuments would also be formed as per decision of the Authority, he said. 

Taj Mahotsava, a cultural extravaganza, takes place in Agra every year. 

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Vrindavan sadhus to conduct mass wedding

AGRA: In a gesture of support to farmers reeling under a series of blows after unseasonal rains destroyed their crops, sadhus in Mathura-Vrindavan, along with their followers, have announced that they will arrange the weddings of the farmers' daughters in order to ease their financial burden.

Though the government doesn't have exact figures, there have been frequent reports in the recent past of farmers across UP either committing suicide or dying of heart attack after seeing their crops flattened by the untimely showers. The seers have now said that they will organize a mass wedding on April 21, Akshaya Tritiya, for the daughters of those farmers who have been left with no money to marry them off. 

"I was very shocked to hear that a farmer in Vrindavan died recently as he could not marry his daughter after the losses he suffered in the recent rains," said Govind Vallabh Das, a saint from Vrindavan and one of the organisers of the event. "Even a girl committed suicide in Hathras as she couldn't see her father, already suffering from huge losses and burdened by a heavy loan, running from pillar to post to arrange funds for her wedding scheduled for May." 

According to Pooran Kaushik, district president of Sarva Brahman Mahasabha, an organization involved in the initiative, the weddings of almost 108 girls are expected to be performed at the ceremony. "Funds for the event are being provided by devotees as well as NGOs like Govindram Goyal Charitable Trust of Kolkata, and Shree Ramnandacharya Vaishnav Seva Trust of Vrinadavan. Registrations would start from March 27, and will continue till April 15. The weddings would be held at Vrindavan."

The mass wedding would be a 'sarva-jatiya' (all caste) event. The organizers say that they have no role in the selection of grooms which would be the prerogative of the bride and her family. "Our objective is mainly to act as facilitators," said Das. 

Interestingly, the organizers add that their responsibility towards the girls will not end with the wedding ceremony. "We will give our names as the guardians of the bride and fulfill the responsibilities that a father carries out even after the girl is married, and settled at her home," said a representative of one of the NGOs involved in the mass wedding.

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And now an ATM for water in Mathura!

Big News Network (IANS) Tuesday 24th March, 2015 

If all goes well, water scarcity will soon be history in this part of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. An ATM-like machine that dispenses water will come up here in a fortnight.

Sonkh is famous as an archaeological site with a goldmine of valuable artefacts going back at least three millennia. But it is also known as an area where water is always in short supply.

The water dispensing machine with an RO plant will be the first of its kind in Uttar Pradesh, according to district officials. The machine will cater to some 2,500 families. A pre-paid card will be made available to those willing to pay for water.

The water cost has been kept low -- 10 to 20 paise a litre. School kids will get free water.

An official said the 20,000 litre plant would cost around Rs.18.56 lakh. Sonkh at present gets piped water from 10 km away.

An official said 80 percent work on the project was over. Within a fortnight, it should become operational, providing relief to residents of Sonkh, said the town's executive officer Ram Asrey Kamal.

Kamal said the water will be safe, cool and potable.

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MP Hema Malini to organise 'Braj Mahotsav' in Mathura

24 Mar, 2015

"Although the list of invitees and artists has not been
finalised yet, my endeavor is to make sure that the fest
goes down in history as a memorable one," Malini said.

MATHURA: Mathura MP and actress Hema Malini will organize a two-day 'Braj Mahotsav' on April 11-12 here to promote the city's rich cultural heritage. 

The festival will be organized at the under-construction Vrindavan Chandrodaya temple near National Highway and will witness the participation of people from the political and entertainment world. 

Malini has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and filmstars like Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor for the festival which will showcase "the Braj culture to the world." 

"Although the list of invitees and artists has not been finalised yet, my endeavor is to make sure that the fest goes down in history as a memorable one," Malini said. 

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