- Krishna Era forests to be brought back to life in Braj Bhumi
- 36 historical forests of Braj to be revived in Mathura District
- Supreme Court of India allowed the Forest Department to eradicate Prosopis Juliflora from Krishna Lila vans
2025.05.08 (Vrindavan Today News): Braj was once known for its lush green forests and verdant gardens. But the greed of people has diminished the forests and gardens through various activities like deforestation, agriculture, logging and development leading the loss of biodiversity and ecological damage. This disregard for nature often prioritizes short term gains over the long-term environmental sustainability. People even didn’t spare the forests related to the Divine Lilas of Shri Krishna.
According to Braj Bhakti Vilas, a 16th century religious text there were 137 forests related to the Lilas of Bhagvan Shri Krishna. Out of those 137 forests, there are 48 principal forests, which are further categorized in 12 van, 12 upvan, 12 Prativan, 12 Adhivan.
While the majority of the forest land of these vans have been encroached upon, the remaining land is covered by Prosopis Juliflora, commonly known as Bilayati Babool. The fast-spreading invasive tree has become a menace to the fragile ecosystem of Braj, destroying native flora endangering biodiversity, and putting additional pressure on already shrinking forest areas.
In a unique confluence of ecological restoration and spiritual revival, the ancient forests of Braj is set to be brought back to life. On Tuesday, a historic plantation drive began in the 119-acre Sunrakh forest of Vrindavan, marking the beginning of a visionary three-year project to restore 36 ancient forests in the region to their mythological and ecological glory. The 36 sites covering 487 ha. Areas will be eco restored by uprooting the Bilayati Babool ( Prosopis Juliflora) in three phases i.e 150 ha, 175 ha and 162 ha in three consecutive years. Two feet footwall and six feet chain link fencing and five years maintenance has been provisioned under the plan to prevent the Prosopis Juliflora from revival.
Under the auspices of the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad (UPBTVP), this ambitious initiative aims to reintroduce plant species believed to have existed during the era of Krishna, replacing non-native flora such as the babool tree with sacred and ecologically significant varieties.
The plantation campaign was formally inaugurated by Shailjakant Misra, Vice-Chairman of the UPBTVP, who planted saplings in the Sunrakh forest and emphasized the cultural and spiritual significance of the region. “Braj is defined by its forests — they are its soul,” he stated. “We are not trying to turn Braj into Singapore. We want to make Braj what it was — Braj.” The identity of Braj is inseparable from its sacred groves,” he stated. “These forests are no longer visible today, but through this initiative, we aim to breathe life into their ancient vision.
The major species to be planted will be Krishna kadamb (Mytragyna parviflora), Tamaal (Garcinea Zanthocymus), Bargad (Ficus benghalensis), paakad (Ficus virens), Pipal (Ficus religiosa), Peeloo (Salvedora oleioides). Maulshree (Mimusops elangi), Khirani (Manilkara hexandra), AAm (Magnifera indica), Bel (Aegle marmilos), Amla (Phyllanthus embalica), Baheda (Termenelia belerica), Arjun (Termenelia arjuna), Palaas (Butea monosperma)
Reflecting on his earlier role as Superintendent of Police in Mathura, Misra shared a personal anecdote: “During my tenure, revered daints such as Brahmarshi Devaraha Baba and Prabhudatta Brahmachari entrusted me with the responsibility of preserving Braj and its vanishing woodlands.” Misra also addressed the growing issue of human monkey conflict in the region. “Yes, monkey have become a problem – but let us not forget, we created this problem ourselves,” he said. “In dense forests, monkeys once thrived peacefully, sustaining themselves on the traditional trees like Peepal, Pakhar, Gular and Neem, feeding on their pods, seeds, and tender leaves. Today, people demand fruit bearing trees for their own consumption, forgetting the ecological balance they disrupt.”
Shri Shyam Bahadur Singh, the CEO of the UPBTVP, echoed this sentiment, stating that the initiative seeks to breathe life back into the very identity of Braj, which has long been revered for its mystical forests and divine atmosphere. He underscored that the UPBTVP is actively working to restore Braj’s natural wealth. “Our mission is to revive the natural resources of Braj with authenticity and ecological integrity,” he said.
The District Forest Officer, Shri Rajnikant Mittal elaborated on the challenges encountered while attempting to revive the 36 historically significant forests of Braj. He emphasized to revive the 36 historically significant forest of Braj. They emphasized that despite progress, ecological restoration in a sacred-cultural landscape comes with unique difficulties, especially in terms of public cooperation, botanical authenticity, and protection of planted saplings.
A key highlight of the new phase of restoration is the strategic replacement of invasive babool (Prosopis juliflora) trees with native and Krishna-era vegetation that once formed the ecological tapestry of Braj. As the District of Mathura falls under the Taj Trapezium Zone, there is a restriction to cut any type of tree without permission form the Supreme Court of India. The UP-Forestry Department had filed an Intervening Application to obtain permission in writ petition no. 13381/1984 pending before the Supreme Court to replace the Juliflora with the native species of Braj. The Apex Court had allowed the Forestry Department to eradicate Juliflora in 36 proposed areas.
In compliance of the order, Site specific plans (SSP) were prepared after detailed surveys and technical discussion with scientist of Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. The SSPs were approved and Govt. of India also approve the process of the Eco restoration.
The event saw the presence of several dignitaries and forest officials, including Shri Bhimsen, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Agra Zone); Dr. Anil Kumar Patel, Chief Conservator of Forests (Agra Zone); Shri Mukesh Sharma, environment expert, UPBTVP, Shri Janardan Sharma, representative of Mathura MP Smt. Hema Malini and many others.
Areas to be taken under the Eco Restoration Plan (a) Twenty Five Forest Areas : Sunrakh (Vrindavan). Ahilyaganj (Mathura), Dhaurera (Mathura), Barauth khaddar (Karah Van), Farah (Apsara Van), Peerpur (Vrasbhanupur), Shernagar (Prem Van), Khairal (Mayur Van), Roopnagar (Nand Prachhan), Agaryala (Krishna Chhipan Van), Nandgaon (Nandgaon). Kaamar (Bihar Van), Bathain kalan (Kokilavan), Kotwan (Kotvan), Aajhai (Surabhi Van), Ajnauthi (Shiksha Van), Bajheda (Narad Van),, Bhadokhar (Lalita Gram), Gajipur (Sanket Van), Kurkanda (Gandharv), Koyla alipur (Brahm Van), Jatipura (Bichhuvan), Sakitara (Chandravali Van), Radhakund (Radhakund), Govardhan gorva (Goverdhan). (b) Eleven Gram Sabha Land : Maant moola (Bhandir Van), Mubarakpur (Mahavan), Gokul (Gokul), Barsana (Padar van), Barhara (Bachhavan Sahi), Kamai (Karhala/Kamai), Aajnokh (Ajnokh), Taarsi (Talvan), Unchagaon (Kumudvan), Sihora (Lohvan), Khediya (Khidarvan).
The revival of Braj’s sacred forests is not merely an ecological act but a spiritual calling. As the saplings take root in the holy soil of Vrindavan, they signal a resurgence of heritage, faith, and the living memory of Krishna’s pastimes.
In an age of rapid urbanization where Vrindavan has become its victim, this project stands as a rare testament of Yogi Government’s ability to honor tradition while embracing sustainable practices — a green renaissance rooted in the divine footprints of Krishna Himself.
