Braj – Vrindavan Temple Alliance submits representation to Joint Municipal Commissioner Anuj Kaushik
2026.02.16 (Vrindavan Today News): A delegation of the Braj Vrindavan Devalaya Samiti on Monday submitted a memorandum at the Vrindavan Zonal Office of the Mathura Municipal Corporation, raising strong objections to the ongoing large-scale concretization around trees and footpaths across the town.
The memorandum was handed over to Joint Municipal Commissioner Anuj Kaushik, urging immediate compliance with directions issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and relevant Government Orders of the Uttar Pradesh government regarding protection of urban greenery.
The committee stated that continuous concretization around roadside trees and along footpaths in the Mathura–Vrindavan municipal area is environmentally harmful and appears to be in clear violation of NGT guidelines. According to the delegation, the tribunal has repeatedly directed authorities to maintain sufficient open soil area around tree trunks to allow natural rainwater absorption and ensure proper availability of air and water to tree roots.
The memorandum highlighted that complete concretization restricts natural tree growth, weakens root systems due to lack of aeration, and increases the long-term risk of trees drying out or collapsing, thereby posing potential threats to public safety.
The delegation further pointed out that Uttar Pradesh government orders also emphasize preservation of green cover and groundwater recharge by maintaining permeable surfaces in urban areas. Fully concretized footpaths, they noted, obstruct rainwater percolation, contributing to waterlogging and urban flooding.
The Samiti demanded immediate suspension of ongoing concretization works around trees, restoration of open soil areas at locations where concrete has already been laid, and issuance of clear directions to construction agencies and contractors to maintain water-permeable zones near tree roots. It also called for the use of eco-friendly, permeable materials in footpath construction and public disclosure of action taken in the matter.
Describing Mathura–Vrindavan as a globally revered religious and culturally significant region that is also environmentally sensitive, the delegation stressed that tree protection and sustainable urban development must be treated as top priorities.
Members of the committee also expressed concern that, in the name of development, the sacred Braj Raj (holy dust of Braj) is gradually being replaced by concrete, adversely affecting not only trees but also animals and birds.
The memorandum was submitted by a delegation led by organization secretary Acharya Deepak Goswami, along with members Gopal Krishna Goswami and Siddharth Shukla.
