River Yamuna that holds a big significance in the ancient Hindu scriptures is fast losing out its sheen to increasing encroachment activities on its popular river banks in Vrindavan, 15 kilometres from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh.
By Brajesh Kumar Singh
Vrindavan (UP), Aug 12 : River Yamuna that holds a big significance in the ancient Hindu scriptures is fast losing out its sheen to increasing encroachment activities on its popular river banks in Vrindavan, 15 kilometres from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh.
Known as "Ghats" in common parlance, the River Yamuna banks are lying in abysmal condition. Many locals complain that the holy river appears to be skewing in size because of the encroachment and pollution.
Some of these riverbanks are learnt to have been built centuries ago, but today either they have been illegally captured by the local goons or have been overtaken by some locals.
Big constructions have come up on the river's dry banks, and agents are selling the land illegally, say locals.
Official figures put the number of the riverbanks here at 20, but a large number of devotees and locals say that Yamuna is visible in its original glory only at the Kashi Ghat.
Residents fear that the water level of River Yamuna is receding over the years and Ghats are paying a heavy cost due to unaccountable local authorities.
Dan Behari Khandelwal, one of the residents, said: "Local land mafias are encroaching upon the lands right under the nose of administration. These Ghats are the identity of Vrindavan. The archaeological department should take these Ghats under its direct supervision and prevent tampering their original look."
Locals fear that the steady dilapidation of the Ghats may soon fail to fascinate a large number of devotees who come here from different parts of the country.
They also refute the claims made by the government that it has spent large amounts of money to save the river and Ghats.
Gopi Goswami, a priest, said: "We have heard that ample funds have been earmarked by the Government for restoring these Yamuna Ghats and new plans are being made to prevent the destruction of these Ghats. But we are yet to see any real development here." uthorities say that plans are being made to promote tourism and the upkeep of riverbanks here. The Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority and the Archaeological Department of India would jointly implement the new plan.
Anita Meshram, District Magistrate of Vrindavan town, said: "Encroachments will be checked strictly. A district level committee will be formed to monitor the work of different NGOs to maintain the real structure of the Ghats."
Mythology has it that Lord Krishna Himself played and swam with His cowherd friends in River Yamuna.
The Bhagavata Purana, which explains about "Bhaktiyoga", and considered an important part of Hindus' religious literature, describes Lord Krishna to have spent his early childhood in Vrindavan forests. He was born in Mathura.
It states that Krishna along with brother Balarama, and cowherd friends used to steal butter, engage in childhood pranks and fight with demons. He is also described to meet, play, and perform "Raas" (dance) with the local girls along with His beloved Radha.
ANI