If things go well, the devotees can have the glimpse of the lost ‘Yamuna Pulin’ of Vrindavan. The bank of Yamuna in Vrindavan is referred by different names in our religious texts. Dheer Samir, Vanshivat, Yamuna Pulin, Raman Reti and so on… It is said that the Maharasa was performed on the bank of Yamuna in Vrindavan. The uncontrolled urbanization and poor planning undermined the relevance of the Yamuna bank of Vrindavan. Going by the ancient texts, Braj Mandal had a unique character defined by its forests, water bodies, flora and fauna. Clearly all are under threat from the modernization process.
An initiative of reviving the forest on the bank of Yamuna has given some hope to the Vrindavan enthusiasts.
In a bid to preserve the Kumbh Mela site of Vrindavan, the Yogi government has undertaken a massive plantation drive on the bank of Yamuna. The trees of different local and indigenous species of Braj are being planted on the bank of Yamuna under the direction of the UP Teerth Vikas Parishad.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier announced to preserve the 63 hectare of land at the Mela site during the ‘Vrindavan Kumbh Mela’. Ten thousand trees of local varieties are proposed to be planted in the designated area. The revival of forest with 10,000 trees will compensate the habitat of the birds and animals lost due to the urbanization. Vrindavan was once known for its forests, groves and gardens that was lost to the rapid urbanization.
The Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority has awarded the contract of planting trees to the Harish Nursery. The agency will plant the trees and maintain them for three years.
According to the manager of the company Shri Puneet Tomor, 3500 trees have already been planted on the site. The trees are planted in the tree guards made of cement and iron to protect them from the animals. The trees are planted in different blocks that are fenced with the barbed wire.
The trees of Kadamba, Banyan, Peepal, Neem, Pakhar, Arujun, Bakain, Kanak Champa, Amla and other indigenous trees are being planted to rejuvenate the river bank. Several fruit trees are also being planted to attract the birds. The forest revival initiative would not only help in rejuvenating river, but will find the lost homes for the peacocks, parrots and other birds. Once the trees are fully grown and the area is transformed into a little forest, the monkeys will find their natural homes and may reduce the menace.
There is no place left in Vrindavan for meditation in a natural ambiance. The sadhus can take shelter of this forest to perform their bhajan under the trees, on the bank of Yamuna when they are fully grown.
Pt. Siddhartha Shukla from Keshi Ghat’s Yamuna Mandir said, “Massive plantation on the bank of Yamuna at the Kumbh Mela site is a welcome step. The Yamuna banks and floodplains, which still hold a great deal of natural beauty must be turned into wetlands that will attract the wildfowl over a greater area than at present. The opposite bank of the Yamuna is still pristine; it should also be preserved before the developers destroy it.”
