Braj Vrindavan Act Now · proposals from 2016
A framework for the care of Braj
This web version brings the master plan’s principal ideas together in one place. It is based on the initiative’s 2016 presentation and records proposals from that period. It is not a current government plan, a technical assessment or evidence that a project was approved or completed. Conditions, laws, infrastructure and community priorities may have changed.
Why Braj matters
Braj is a cultural and spiritual landscape associated with Krishna traditions, pilgrimage, festivals, music, dance, architecture and historic places. The presentation names Vrindavan, Mathura, Barsana, Govardhan, Kusum Sarovar and Kesi Ghat among the places it seeks to see cared for.
Its central idea is to consider the Yamuna, the environment, living communities, public spaces and heritage together. Local knowledge, public information and participation are part of that work.
Ten proposal areas in the 2016 plan
The descriptions below distinguish concerns and proposals stated in the presentation from facts that would need to be checked today. Any engineering, legal or conservation action requires current evidence and review by qualified local authorities and communities.
1. Solid waste and plastics
Concern raised: waste collection needed improvement. Proposal: develop recycling as a supported or sustainable activity, improve collection, and reduce or prohibit disposable plastic use in shops and temples. The presentation does not establish what systems or rules are in force today.
2. Sewage and wastewater
Concern raised: untreated sewage was said to reach the Yamuna. Proposal: build a channel near the ghats to carry wastewater to a sewage treatment plant. This is a historical engineering concept; present-day treatment capacity, alignments, environmental impacts and permissions must be verified before considering it.
3. Structures and silt in the Yamuna
Concern raised: the presentation argued that pillars in the river retained silt and affected water and groundwater. Proposal: remove the pillars and dredge the river. These claims are not independently verified here; any intervention would require current hydrological, ecological, legal and engineering assessment.
4. Trees, gardens and green areas
Concern raised: the presentation reported loss of trees and gardens. Proposal: restore tree cover, including on the opposite bank of the Yamuna and other suitable places. Planting plans should use locally appropriate species and protect existing habitats and public access.
5. Traffic and access
Concern raised: heavy vehicles entering the city and congestion near major temples. Proposals: review a ring-road connection and bridge linked to the Yamuna Expressway, and consider parking across the river with a bridge for pedestrians and cycle-rickshaws to reach older temple areas. These are historical concepts, not approved projects; feasibility, safety, land, river and community impacts need current review.
6. Historic buildings
Concern raised: heritage buildings were being neglected or damaged. Proposal: seek protection and maintenance through relevant public agencies. Each building’s present condition, ownership, heritage status and appropriate conservation method must be established individually.
7. Noise in public areas
Concern raised: loudspeakers directed into public areas caused noise. Proposal: restrict speakers aimed at public spaces. Any present-day response should follow current law and respect religious practice, residents and public health.
8. Billboards and the streetscape
Concern raised: billboards could obscure views of historic and sacred places. Proposal: regulate or remove unsuitable billboards and provide online spaces for local information and advertising. The presentation’s suggested model would need current policy and operating details.
9. Burning plastic and other waste
Concern raised: burning waste harms health and air quality. Proposal: prevent open waste burning and provide reliable collection, with enforcement consistent with current law.
10. Recognition and protection for Braj
Concern raised: the presentation sought formal recognition of Braj’s cultural and pilgrimage landscape. Proposals: consider a protected zone spanning the relevant parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana, and seek evaluation for UNESCO World Heritage recognition. These are proposals only; no designation or government commitment is implied.
Earlier activities listed in the presentation
The same 2016 source also lists volunteer cleanups, care of gardens and heritage places, ecological awareness websites, drama presentations and petitions. These are historical descriptions from the presentation; this site does not claim that those activities are currently operating or that every listed effort was completed.
People with recent reports, research, conservation work or practical ideas can share them with the initiative for review. Please distinguish dated proposals from current conditions and provide sources where available.
Browse the complete 2016 presentation
View all 78 slides online as a historical archive.
Plans and studies by other organisations
The site separately collects planning documents and studies prepared by other organisations. They are not part of this initiative’s 2016 proposals.
Download the source presentation
The original 2016 PowerPoint is available for historical reference. It includes additional material, names and contact details from that period that may no longer be current.
Download the 2016 project presentation (PowerPoint, about 50 MB)