2024.09.19 (Vrindavan Today News): In one hand the Yogi government claims planting thousands of trees in Mathura District, on the other, the real estate mafias are leaving no stone unturned to destroy the groves, gardens, forests and the vegetation for making way to the real estate projects.
Chaos erupted as more than 300 lush green trees were felled overnight between September 18 and 19. These trees, located along the main Chatikara Road near the Vaishnodevi Temple on Chhatikara – Vrindavan Road, were considered the pride of Vrindavan, standing as a symbol of the city’s natural beauty. Their sudden destruction has ignited widespread anger among locals, religious leaders, and environmentalists.
The land from which these trees were cut is valued at around ₹50 billion (approximately $600 million USD), with the property price standing at ₹80,000 ($960) per square yard. Located directly in front of the Vaishno Devi Temple, this prime real estate appears to have become the target of land mafias and developers. Allegedly, those responsible for the destruction knew that obtaining approval from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) could take as long as ten years. By then, they would have sold the land and made enormous profits.
Mathura MP Hema Malini, has expressed deep shock and frustration over the incident. She has formally lodged a complaint with the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath. Raids are being conducted in search of the land mafia and builders suspected of orchestrating the illegal tree felling. This has raised critical questions for local authorities, including the forest department, electricity department, and the police, as to how such a large-scale act of environmental vandalism could take place unnoticed.
Accusations are pointing towards local colonizers and land mafias in Mathura, who are believed to have carried out the operation under the cover of night. It is suspected that a builder, who had been negotiating the purchase of this land for some time, played a key role in the incident. The involvement of the forest department, which failed to monitor the situation effectively, has also come under scrutiny. The NGT has taken notice of the case.
According to witnesses, a group of 150-200 unidentified individuals arrived at the site with JCB machines late at night and began cutting down the trees. Given that it was the monsoon season, nearby residents were unable to leave their homes to intervene. The illegal activity reportedly started around 12:30 AM and continued until 5:00 AM.
Further complicating the situation, it is reported that the builder’s men tore down boundary walls and knocked over electricity poles, plunging the area into darkness. Power was deliberately cut, making it easier for the perpetrators to carry out their actions undetected. This has raised suspicions of collusion with the electricity department as well.
In Vrindavan, trees are regarded not just as natural resources but as sacred symbols, akin to the saints who reside in this holy land. Religious leaders, including saints and Bhagwat teachers, view the destruction of these trees as an act of sacrilege, calling it the “root of devastation.”
The assistant engineer of the Chatikara sub-division has confirmed that an official complaint is being filed against the unidentified culprits. Meanwhile, the Deputy Inspector of the Forest Department, who visited the site, has estimated that between 150 and 200 trees were destroyed. Notices will be issued to those involved, and if found guilty, they will face severe legal consequences.
Inspector Jait of the local police has stated that a survey is being conducted by the Forest Department, and action will be taken based on their report. However, the brazenness of the builders involved has raised concerns about their political influence, as they seem to be operating with impunity.
This shocking incident has left Vrindavan’s residents and religious leaders questioning the integrity of the administration and calling for immediate and decisive action to protect the remaining greenery in this spiritual city. The destruction of these trees is not just an environmental crime, but an attack on the soul of Vrindavan itself.
