Latest news with #BrajTeerthVikasParishad
News18
18-06-2025
- News18
'Braj Is Being Reawakened': UP Govt Plans 17-Km Vrindavan-Gokul Nature Walk Pathway
Last Updated: The plan includes the construction of a 2-metre-wide pedestrian trail that stretches 17 kilometres along the Yamuna riverbank, linking Vrindavan and Gokul. Krishna devotees visiting Vrindavan will soon find their pilgrimage even more enriching with the development of a 17-km Nature Walk Pathway along the Yamuna river, part of the UP government's Vision-2030. This route, connecting Vrindavan to Gokul, aims to blend devotion with ecology, offering a tranquil walk through the land of Krishna's childhood pastimes. Developed at an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore, this pathway is a key component of Mathura Vision-2030 – a comprehensive redevelopment plan launched by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to transform the Braj region into a world-class spiritual and cultural tourism destination. The Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad (BTVP), in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Forest and Wildlife Department, will execute the project. The plan includes the construction of a 2-metre-wide pedestrian trail that stretches 17 kilometres along the Yamuna riverbank, linking two of the holiest sites associated with Lord Krishna's life -Vrindavan and Gokul. A Walk Through Divine History Officials describe the pathway as more than just a physical infrastructure project – it's a spiritual experience rooted in heritage and nature. The trail will be adorned with indigenous plant species, carefully selected to reflect the flora described in Krishna-era lore. The route will also feature shaded rest areas, benches, solar-powered lighting, fencing, toilets, and drinking water points. 'The idea is to allow devotees to relive the essence of Dwapar Yug while ensuring comfort and ecological preservation," said SB Singh, CEO of the Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad. 'This isn't just a path—it's a sacred journey through the footsteps of Kanha," said Singh. The plantation drive will help preserve local biodiversity, prevent riverbank erosion, and enhance the green cover of the region. Educational signage along the route will inform visitors about the plants, wildlife, and Krishna's leelas (divine plays) connected to each area. What is Vision-2030? Unveiled in 2023, Mathura Vision-2030 is the Uttar Pradesh government's long-term strategy to revive, restore, and redefine the Braj region through spiritual tourism, ecological conservation, and urban planning. The vision encompasses 195 projects worth Rs30,080 crore, of which 23 projects totalling Rs2,300 crore have already received approval. Officials said from the Banke Bihari Corridor in Vrindavan to the expansion of Rangeeli Chowk in Barsana and heritage circuits like Sapt Devalay Marg, the plan combines infrastructure with mythology. The goal is to ease pilgrimage movement, preserve sacred geography, and generate employment through eco-tourism, cultural hubs, and hospitality infrastructure. Cabinet Minister Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary, who heads the BTVP board, said during a recent meeting, 'Vision-2030 is not just about modernisation. It's about restoring the divine geography of Krishna's land while preparing it for the 21st-century spiritual traveller." Devotees Give it a Thumbs Up The announcement has generated considerable excitement among Krishna devotees and locals alike. 'I've walked the dirt tracks between Vrindavan and Gokul many times, but this project will make it accessible to all—young, old, and differently-abled," said Meena Devi, a pilgrim from Bihar visiting Vrindavan with her family. For Mohan Tripathi, a teacher from Varanasi, the pathway is a chance to reconnect with Braj's landscape more meaningfully. 'We read about Krishna playing near Yamuna, in forests and gardens. Now we'll get to walk those very paths amidst trees and prayers—it's an experience we've only dreamt of," said Tripathi. Such projects will also decongest temples, allowing devotees to engage with sacred spaces beyond the shrines. 'Braj is more than temples. It's a living memory of the divine, and this path will honour that," people said. Economic and Cultural Revival Tourism experts believe the project could be a game-changer for the local economy. The long walking route will encourage homestays, handicraft markets, cultural events, and guided nature tours, all of which can provide livelihoods for thousands. 'The potential for heritage-linked tourism in Braj is enormous. A peaceful, scenic, and spiritual walk along the Yamuna will attract not only domestic pilgrims but also foreign tourists seeking cultural depth," said Pradeep Bhatnagar, a tourism consultant based in Mathura. Ravi Chaubey, who runs a café in Vrindavan, said, 'If this project takes off, we'll redesign our space as a Krishna-themed rest stop for walkers. There's huge potential here." Pathway to Progress—and the Past The Nature Walk Pathway is part of a wider effort to revive ancient groves and forests linked to Krishna's leelas—like Nidhivan, Madhuvan, and Seva Kunj—as part of an ecosystem-based spiritual circuit. The area around the Banke Bihari Corridor will be developed with Krishna-era vegetation, themed landscaping, and mythological markers. top videos View all When completed, the pathway will not just connect two sacred towns—it will connect generations to stories, devotion to nature, and progress to preservation. As Mahant Dev Prakash Das of the Radha Rani Bhakt Mandal said, 'This walk will not be just about distance—it will be a journey into devotion, heritage, and harmony with nature. Braj is being reawakened, not redesigned." First Published:
Indian Express
17-06-2025
- Indian Express
Govt to develop 17-km nature walk pathway along Yamuna
THE STATE government is in the process of developing a 17-kilometre nature walk pathway from Vrindavan to Gokul along the Yamuna River at an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore. The project, to be executed by the Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad in collaboration with the State Forest and Wildlife Department, aims at promoting eco-tourism, supporting environmental conservation and offering pilgrims and tourists a peaceful and accessible walking route along the river, a statement said on Tuesday. The two-metre wide pathway will be constructed along the Yamuna river from Vrindavan to Gokul. The Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, in partnership with the Forest Department, would oversee the project's implementation, said the statement. In a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently, officials said the pathway would highlight the natural beauty that lies between Vrindavan and Gokul. Indigenous plant species would be planted on both sides of the walkway to enhance greenery and support local biodiversity. Also, the route will be equipped with fencing, lighting, and toilet facilities to ensure comfort and safety for both tourists and residents. The core aim of developing the Vrindavan-Gokul Nature Walk Pathway is to promote eco-tourism in the region. The project is part of a development effort under the Mathura Vision 2030, which includes 195 projects worth Rs 30,080 crore, of which 23 projects totaling Rs 2,300 crore have been approved. The government said that pilgrims and tourists would now experience the natural serenity of the religious place on foot, amidst the greenery and calm of the Yamuna's banks. It will also serve as a leisure and health-oriented space for local residents, who will be able to use it for morning and evening walks, the statement said.
