Tata Foundation commits ₹12.19 crore for restoration; Heartfulness to undertake dewatering, desilting and beautification, along with improved pilgrim amenities
Vrindavan Today | Bureau Report
20th October, 2026, Radhakund: Three sacred water bodies of Shri Radha Kund, Shyam Kund and Ashta Sakhi Kund are set for a major restoration and beautification drive, with work formally launched through a traditional bhoomi pujan ceremony on Sunday.
The project, supported by the Tata Foundation with an investment of ₹12.19 crore, aims to improve the condition of the historic ponds while enhancing facilities for the thousands of devotees who visit these revered sites, closely associated with Braj’s spiritual traditions.
A multi-stakeholder meeting was held at Meera Manoranjan Dharamshala in Radha Kund ahead of the ceremony. Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad Vice-Chairman Shailjakant Mishra said the sacred ponds represent Braj’s rich religious heritage and the faith of millions of devotees. Their conservation, he said, would strengthen the region’s spiritual identity.
The planned works include dewatering and desilting of the ponds, beautification and the development of facilities for pilgrims. The restoration is intended to improve the condition of the water bodies while making visits more convenient for devotees.
Local MLA Meghshyam Singh expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad for supporting the initiative.
Two years of discussions precede project approval
Discussions between the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad and the Tata Foundation on the development of the three ponds had been underway for nearly two years. Following an extended process, ₹12.19 crore was approved for the project in line with the Chief Minister’s vision for the development of Braj’s religious destinations.
Heartfulness will execute the development works, while the Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad will oversee their implementation. Harneet Hariharan, associated with ISKCON, will coordinate the project.
Bhoomi pujan marks beginning of restoration drive
The development initiative was formally inaugurated with Vedic rituals at the site following the meeting. Those present included Shailjakant Misra, MLA Meghshyam Singh, District Magistrate C. P. Singh and Parishad Chief Executive Officer Lakshmi Nagappan, along with other officials. Acharya Braj Kishore Goswami conducted the bhoomi pujan according to Vedic traditions.
Heartfulness also presented a street play highlighting the importance of cleanliness. The performance sought to encourage public participation in keeping shared spaces and water bodies clean, reinforcing the message that the long-term preservation of these sacred sites will require both institutional efforts and community responsibility.
The project marks a significant step towards conserving three important water bodies of Braj. Its ultimate success will depend not only on the completion of the planned restoration and beautification works, but also on sustained maintenance and responsible public use.
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