Vrindavan 2016.04.05: Commissioner Pradeep Bhatnagar made a tour of Vrindavan after visiting the MVDA offices in Mathura and got a first-hand look at many of the local development projects. Prominent on the list of problems to look at was the encroachments on the Yamuna flood plain. Complaints have been taken to the National Green Tribunal on several occasions to have them removed, but little action has yet been taken.
Commissioner and family at Madan Mohan.
The Commissioner reached the Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA) office at around 3:30 pm, where he saw a presentation about the Yamuna cleaning between Mathura and Vrindavan which was presented by Usher Agro.
In Vrindavan, the Commissioner inspected the progress of the multi-level (3-storey) parking under construction on the Bhaktivedanta Marg (Chattikara road) near Rukmani Vihar and seemed satisfied with it.
He then visited the old Madan Mohan temple, Radha Vallabh and Radha Damodar with his family. At Radha Vallabh he had some discussions with the temple authorities about possible improvements.
The next stop on his itinerary was Jugal Ghat and Vihar Ghat where petitioner Madhumangal Shukla has been given sanction by the National Green Tribunal to have the extensive encroachments removed. Mr. Bhatnagar told MVDA VP, C.P. Singh, who accompanied him on his visit, that the time had come for them to go. He said, “The beauty of the river is one of the attractive features of Vrindavan that enhances its tourism potential. To have the view blocked by illegal structures is detrimental to the entire community.”
The MVDA has already been making plans for the beautification of the areas near the Yamuna. The Vice President (MVDA), Mr. C. P. Singh, said that the Commissioner has ordered him to discuss the Usher Agro plan with the head of the irrigation department, who will also be making a visit on Wednesday to study the zone that is to be beautified.
Mr. Bhatnagar also expressed displeasure at the widespread accumulation of trash throughout the town and made numerous suggestions for improvements elsewhere in the town.
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Dr. V.K. Chaturvedi, CEO of UsherAgro
Usher Agro, a Mathura-based international agri-business, has various community activities in its efforts to act as a good corporate citizen. It has formed an NGO, “SAYES” (Save Yamuna Environment Society) to take initiative in transforming the Yamuna River, with the goal of changing it from a sewer into a pristine river as it was in the past. The NGO led by the company is dedicated to the clearing up of the riverbed. The dug up residue will be used for land filling activities.
Unfortunately Yamuna has become one of the most polluted rivers in the world due to huge pollutants being discharged in it. Many efforts have been made to clean Yamuna; however they have been unable to bring any improvement due to lack of dedication, sincerity, and commitment. The government is now listening to the Usher Agro proposals put forward by its managing director, Dr. V.K. Chaturvedi.
SAYES works together with the Yamuna Rakshak Dal.
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