Latest news with #DwaparYug
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:
News18
17-05-2025
- General
- News18
How The UP Government Is Bringing Dwapar Yug To Life In Vrindavan's Forests
Last Updated: 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. First Published: May 17, 2025, 15:54 IST
