New Delhi / Vrindavan, 2016.08.24 (VT): The Vrindavan-based environmental activist group Friends of Vrindavan (FOV) demanded that special attention be given to 21-kilometre stretch of road around Govardhan, the Parikrama Marg.
In their letter addressed to the Environment Minister, the activists said the entire area within the Govardhan Parikrama should be recognized and preserved as an Eco Sensitive Zone.
On Monday, three members from Friends of Vrindavan met the Union Minister for Environment and Forest Shri Anil Madhav Dave at his office, situated in the Indira Paryavaran Bhavan in New Delhi.
FOV director Jagannath Poddar briefed the Environment Minister on the NGO’s activities and informed him about the degrading environmental condition of Vraja – Vrindavan. He was accompanied by Shri Tamal Krishna Das Brahmachari from Imli Tala and Shri Akash Vashishtha, an environmental journalist and activist.
The minister was informed that the entire Vraja is under threat from garbage, pollutants and toxic materials, domestic waste and the sewer. The vast green cover, which once up on a time was the unique feature of the Lila Bhumi of the Divine Couple, is shrinking as concretization and unplanned urbanization go unchecked. The infrastructure of the town can’t provide services to the increasing numbers of pilgrims who visit the Holy Dham all year round.
“We are alarmed and seriously feel that the swaroop and flavor of Vraja area must be preserved at all costs. The government should make some policies that can save Vraja,” said Shri Tamal Krishna Das.
“The Giriraj hill is diminishing each day due to unplanned urbanization. The area of the entire Govardhan Parikrama Marg must be preserved by declaring it an Eco Sensitive Zone. The ESZ will check the uncontrolled urbanization of the area and prevent further concretization. The green cover of the area should be revived by planting more trees and all tree felling must be outlawed,” said Jagannath Poddar.
Shri Akash Vashishtha urged, “The revenue or the gram sabha land on the sides of the Yamuna between Mathura and Vrindavan must be acquired for the Forestry Department. It will protect the Yamuna flood plain from encroachments and illegal construction.”
The Minister appreciated the concern of the delegation and advised them to approach the State Government to make a proposal about it. He assured them that if the state government sends any such proposal his way, the Union Ministry will consider it favorably.
meeting with the minister
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