Braj Dham to be developed on the lines of Ayodhya soon, says CM Yogi

Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said his govt would ensure the development of Braj Dham on the lines of Ayodhya."Just as the grand work was completed at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, the development of Braj would soon be implemented," he said after offering prayers at the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura. He prayed for Uttar Pradesh to continue achieving new heights of development. "Indian traditions and its festivals are the nation's greatest asset. The memories of Radha and Krishna are embedded in every particle of Braj's sacred dust. Through the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, the govt is fully committed to reviving the ancient glory of the region, along with modern facilities," he said. On Holi celebrations in Braj, Yogi said the festival was an eternal celebration there and appreciated the enthusiasm of the lakhs of devotees who gathered in Barsana, Gokul, Nandgaon and Govardhan. Later, during a meeting of the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, Yogi approved Rs 300 crore for the development of the Braj area. He also inaugurated the Donation Management Digital System. "Govt's focus would be on the development of facilities for devotees, environmental conservation, cleanliness, infrastructure development and the promotion of cultural heritage," he said. During the meeting, a consensus was also reached on a plan to develop a waterway between Mathura and Vrindavan under the Yamuna River Front project and start cruise and boat operations on the PPP model. A proposal to develop the 11.80 km-long Mathura-Vrindavan rail track into a four-lane road was discussed. The CM directed the public works department, Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad and the district administration to coordinate with the railways for the project. A feasibility study on a Pod Rapid Transit System will also be carried out. A decision was also taken to develop parking and other public facilities in Govardhan, Mathura and Vrindavan on the PPP model. Directions were also issued for transferring land identified for the proposed water museum in Ajijpur village from the irrigation department to the council. The CM directed officials to carry out an extensive plantation drive during the upcoming Van Mahotsav. He also spoke about the need to incorporate water conservation and the treatment of saline water in the plan, and to ensure public participation in the campaign. Discussions were also held on the Heritage City being developed under the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority. "There should be no cuts in the budget of projects approved by the Parishad, and they should be implemented at the earliest," the CM said.