How The UP Government Is Bringing Dwapar Yug To Life In Vrindavan's Forests
The Uttar Pradesh government is reviving 36 sacred forest sites in Vrindavan by planting trees from Lord Krishna's era, blending mythology, biodiversity, and cultural heritage
'Dwapar Yug' is all set to come alive for those visiting the ancient forests of Vrindavan, as the Uttar Pradesh government prepares to give a mythological makeover to these sacred groves—believed to be the very land where Lord Krishna once lived and played. With a major eco-restoration project underway, the initiative aims to revive Vrindavan's ancient forests by planting trees mentioned in Krishna's era, blending ecology with spirituality to recreate the timeless charm of Braj.
The Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad has undertaken this ambitious eco-restoration drive, targeting 36 ancient forest sites across a vast area of 487 hectares in Vrindavan. The Parishad's environmental advisor, Mukesh Sharma, revealed that plantation work has begun in the Sunrakh Reserve Forest area and will be executed in three phases, with an estimated budget of around Rs 90 crore. 'This project is not merely about planting trees; it is about restoring a cultural and spiritual heritage deeply linked to Krishna's divine pastimes," said Sharma.
Removing Invasive Species, Reviving Native Flora
One of the key objectives is to remove the invasive and harmful Prosopis juliflora, locally known as 'vilayati babool', which has overrun these forests—turning the soil barren and threatening local flora and fauna. Replacing it with native broad-leaved species like Krishna Kadamb (Mitragyna parviflora), Pipal (Ficus religiosa), Bargad (Ficus benghalensis), and Tamal (Garcinia xanthochymus) will help restore ecological balance while reviving the mythological essence of the region.
Since Vrindavan lies within the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), a Supreme Court-designated eco-sensitive area, special permission was required to proceed with tree cutting and plantation. An interlocutory application was filed in Writ Petition No. 13381/1984, and after inspection by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), the Supreme Court approved the project on December 12, 2023. This marks the first time an eco-restoration initiative has been permitted inside the TTZ.
The detailed restoration plans were developed after extensive surveys and technical consultations with scientists from the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. Soil testing across all sites helped create a blueprint tailored to the unique ecological needs of each forest block. Sharma said, 'We are blending scientific precision with cultural respect to ensure that these forests not only survive but thrive as living testaments to Krishna's legacy."
Trees With Deep Spiritual Significance
The plantation will include species that hold deep cultural and spiritual significance, such as Peeloo (Salvadora oleoides), Maulshree (Mimusops elengi), Aam (Mangifera indica), Bel (Aegle marmelos), Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Baheda (Terminalia bellirica), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), and Palaash (Butea monosperma). These trees are valued not only for their ecological benefits but also for their association with the traditions of ancient Braj and Krishna's life stories.
Project Launch And Vision For A Green Braj
A formal field workshop to mark the project's launch was recently held at the Sunrakh Forest Block, chaired by Shailja Kant Mishra, Vice-Chairman of the Parishad. He highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying, 'Reviving these forests is an act of devotion as much as it is an ecological necessity. We want every visitor to feel the presence of Krishna's Vrindavan in every shade and scent."
Promoting Biodiversity, Eco-Tourism, And Local Livelihoods
Officials with the UP Government said the restoration effort is expected to boost biodiversity, improve air and soil quality, and promote eco-tourism, while also creating livelihood opportunities for local communities involved in plantation and forest management. 'Special measures are planned to prevent the regrowth of invasive species and to monitor the health of the saplings over the coming years," they added.
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May 17, 2025, 15:54 IST
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