Vrindavan, a city deeply rooted in devotion to Radha-Krishna, is adorned with countless temples that dot its landscape. Nestled within the larger city of Mathura, Vrindavan further amplifies this spiritual essence, attracting a constant influx of devotees seeking blessings.
Spread across a 20 km stretch, Vrindavan boasts approximately 5,884 temples, including 30 to 40 major temples such as the ISKON temple and Premnagar temple. These sacred sites witness maximum tourist visitation in the region.
However, amidst the spiritual fervor, Vrindavan faces several challenges that impact its overall functioning. One of the major concerns highlighted by locals, shopkeepers, auto-rickshaw drivers, and tourists is the cleanliness of the Yamuna River. Industrial waste and untreated sewage discharge have severely polluted the river, raising concerns about its impact on the environment and the health of the community.
Another pressing issue is the development of a corridor along the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. Rohit Rajput, a resident who relocated from Agra, emphasizes the need for improved planning and crowd management. He suggests the installation of barricades closer to temple areas and the provision of government-run e-rickshaws to facilitate hassle-free movement of devotees.
Pushkar Upadyay, an e-rickshaw driver from another state, praises the development initiatives undertaken by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath but expresses concerns regarding the distribution of political tickets. He believes that local candidates with a deep understanding of the city should be prioritized over celebrities who may not be genuinely invested in addressing the community’s needs.
Mansi Arora, a resident from Haryana, highlights the need for a queue system at temples to prevent congestion and ensure the safety of senior citizens and children. She also emphasizes the importance of regular cleaning of the Yamuna River to enable local use and enhance the spiritual experience.
Yogita Boche, who runs a snack centre near Hema Malini’s house, acknowledges the efforts made by the actor-politician in terms of campaigning and outreach. However, she stresses the need for addressing cleanliness issues in Mathura, particularly in areas plagued by garbage.
Advocate Ashish Kumar Bajpai, a visitor from Kanpur, raises concerns about local transport, highlighting the excessive charges levied by e-rickshaw drivers and the lack of proper toilets and refreshment centers. He emphasizes the need for Metro rail connectivity to ease the movement of devotees and generate revenue.
Amit Bajpai, a teacher accompanying Ashish, notes the increase in tourism and the corresponding need for infrastructure improvements. He expresses perplexity over the refusal to accept Rs 10 coins in Mathura, despite their widespread acceptance in other parts of India.
Overall, while Vrindavan continues to be a spiritual haven, it faces challenges that require attention and collaborative efforts from the administration, local residents, and visitors. By addressing these concerns, the city can uphold its sacred legacy while ensuring a vibrant and harmonious environment for all.
