2026.02.21 (Vrindavan Today News): A high-level review meeting on ongoing development works in Mathura–Vrindavan was held at the auditorium of the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, chaired by Member of Parliament Hema Malini along with the Parishad’s Vice Chairman Shailja Kant Misra. The meeting focused on traffic management, Yamuna ghat construction, encroachment issues, and complaints related to the Jal Jeevan Mission.
During the review, the MP expressed strong concern over traffic congestion across Mathura and Vrindavan, particularly jams occurring on highways and major intersections. She also took note of public grievances regarding encroachments, Yamuna riverfront works, and delays in drinking water projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Vice Chairman Shailja Kant Mishra directed the Vice Chairperson of the Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority to ensure strict action against illegal constructions. The MP also sought updates regarding land availability for newly proposed electricity substations. Officials informed that land has already been secured for two substations, while proposals for five additional sites are being forwarded to the District Magistrate.
The meeting also reviewed the ongoing riverfront development works along the Yamuna in Mathura and Vrindavan. The MP highlighted complaints from local residents alleging that strong and historically significant stones were being removed during new ghat construction in Mathura. The Irrigation Department presented project details, following which the Vice Chairman instructed that only damaged stones should be replaced and that quality and uniformity must be maintained in new construction.
Discussions were also held regarding the operation of the newly constructed interstate roadways bus terminal along the highway. The Assistant Regional Manager of Roadways informed that technical challenges related to the service lane were causing delays, and additional land was being procured from Parag Dairy to resolve the issue. Officials from Roadways, Municipal Corporation, and the Highway Authority were directed to jointly inspect the site and finalize a solution in coordination with the District Magistrate.
MP Hema Malini further called for a concrete and permanent traffic management plan to address congestion at key locations including Narhauli Chauraha, Govardhan Chauraha, Chhattikara, Bhuteshwar, Deeg Gate, and areas surrounding the District Hospital. The Senior Superintendent of Police shared details of improvements undertaken at certain locations, while the Highway Authority informed that proposals to widen several bridges are under preparation. The MP assured her support at the ministerial level for necessary approvals.
Expressing dissatisfaction over numerous complaints emerging from rural areas under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the MP directed officials to expedite construction of drinking water tanks and immediately repair roads damaged during pipeline works. District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh stated that citizens may also register Jal Jeevan Mission complaints directly with his office.
Progress under the Namami Gange programme for Yamuna purification was also reviewed, including construction of sewage treatment plants and drainage works. The District Magistrate instructed the executing agency to conduct drone videography and photography from Mathura to Vrindavan to identify drains discharging into the Yamuna.
On the issue of permanent encroachments within municipal limits, the Municipal Commissioner informed that joint enforcement action is being carried out in coordination with the Development Authority.
Among those present at the meeting were MP representative Janardan Sharma, District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar, Municipal Commissioner Jag Pravesh, Chief Executive Officer of Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad Suraj Patel, Vice Chairperson of Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority Lakshmi N., Chief Development Officer Dr. Pooja Gupta, Environmental Advisor Mukesh Sharma, and officials from the Highway, Irrigation, Power, Roadways, and Housing departments.
