By Brij Khandelwal
2024.09.21 (Vrindavan Today News): The recent memorandum submitted by green activists of Braj Mandal to Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, highlights a critical issue that demands immediate attention. Over 300 trees near the Vaishnodevi Temple in Vrindavan have been cut down, leaving the community in shock and outrage. This act of environmental vandalism threatens the ecological balance and cultural heritage of the region, once known for its temples, winding streets (Kunj galis), and lush greenery that attracted birds and animals.
Environmentalist Dr. Devashish Bhattacharya said “the significance of trees in maintaining the environment’s well-being, providing shade, purifying the air, and serving as a habitat for various species. The perpetrators, believed to be land mafias and developers, are driven by profit motives, disregarding long-term consequences.”
The collective voice of concerned citizens, religious leaders, and environmentalists calls for action against those responsible. As we strive for a sustainable future, preserving Braj Bhoomi’s natural heritage must be a top priority. The time to act is now, and our legacy depends on the decisions we make today, adds Vrindavan’s green activist Madhu Mangal Shukla whose petition on this subject is pending before the Allahabad High Court.
In Vrindavan, a city steeped in history and spirituality, the destruction of trees is a stark reminder of growing environmental threats. Several sacred sites like the Nidhi Van renowned for its mysterious and enchanting beauty, with Tulsi trees and a temple dedicated to Radha and Krishna’s pastimes need protection and vigil against land grabbers. The contrast between the reverence for nature and the reckless destruction of trees couldn’t be more striking.
Smt. Angha Srinivasan, the Secretary of the newly formed Braj- Vrindavan Devalaya Samiti ( Braj Temple Alliance) said, “let this incident be a turning point in our commitment to protecting the environment and upholding the values that define Sri Krishna land’s cultural landscape. The mass felling of trees in Vrindavan is not just an environmental issue but a cultural and spiritual crisis. Trees have always been an integral part of Vrindavan’s identity, symbolizing the divine connection between nature and spirituality. The loss of these trees is a loss of heritage, a blow to the soul of the land that has been revered for centuries.”
So far, the community’s response to this tragedy has been one of unity and determination. Local MP Hema Malini is shocked at the reported incident of mass slaughter of trees. She has complained to the UP chief minister urging action. Janardan Sharma, a tree lover said “ I was extremely pained to see scores of peacocks at the site deprived of their habitats. During the felling of the trees, scores of birds also died, say local activists. “They have lost their ashiana.”
“The Krishna devotees of Vrindavan are in grief. They want the government to respond to this crisis with urgency and resolve. Immediate action is needed to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the mass tree felling. Stricter regulations must be enforced to protect forests and green spaces from exploitation. Community engagement is crucial to raise awareness and mobilize public support to prevent repeated environmental vandalism” said Shri Krishna Balaram Goswami from Shri Radha Damodar Temple.
By taking firm steps, we can honour the legacy of Vrindavan and ensure that its natural beauty and spiritual essence are preserved for future generations.
The massacre of Vrindavan’s sacred trees should serve as a wake-up call, reminding us of our responsibility to protect and cherish the environment that sustains us all, says bio diversity expert Dr Mukul Pandya.
