Petition: Stop Lord Krishna's Hills being destroyed

[Guest guest]

Petition: Stop Lord Krishna's Hills being destroyed

indicjournalists, "Raghav Mittal"

<raghavmt> wrote:

 

"A profound scholar Baba says that Lord Krishna was the biggest

environmentalist and thereby it becomes the duty of His devotees to

restore and preserve the ecology of Braj - Krishna's eternal abode.

 

--------------------------

E-petition on the internet

--------------------------

An internet petition to save the hils of Braj was posted in

January 2005 at www.petitiononline.com/Barsana/petition.html.

Support this cause by signing this."

 

 

 

[Following is the text version of Kalchakra - the famous fortnightly

that exposed the Jain Hawala Scam.

 

It would be shocking to know that the party which gained political

prominence in the name of Ram Janmabhoomi, is letting the brutal

destruction of the land of Krishna go unrelentlessly.

Its chief minister in Rajasthan has proved to be the biggest

hypocrite as far as Hinduism and Hindu values are concerned.

 

You may send in your feedback at: brajrakshakdal@g...

 

To view the online version (with pictures)of the same kindly visit:

http://www.brajrakshakdal.org/Kalchakra/Kalchakra-Hill%20Edition.htm

 

Please do circulate this mail to all your friends, relatives and

well wishers interested in preserving and protecting the Krishna

land.

 

Note: To get the print version of the paper or a VCD covering all

these aspects, kindly contact:

 

In India:

Braj Rakshak Dal, C-6/28, SDA, Hauz Khas, New Delhi -16

Phone:011-26566800

Email: brajrakshakdal@g...

www.brajrakshakdal.org

 

In USA:

Brajdham Sewa Samiti

7107, Star Hill Court

Columbia, MD 21046, USA

Tel: 410-290-8608

Email:radhakrsna1@h...

 

- Raghav ]

 

--------------------------------

 

Kalchakra

Intellectual Vehicle for a Resurgent India

 

-------------------------------

Special Edition on

"Brutal Destruction of Heritage Hills in Braj"

-------------------------------

 

Index

Lord Krishna's hills being destroyed by pseudo-Hindu Govt. of

Vasundhara Raje - Page 1

Raje surpasses Aurangzeb - Page 2

Religious significance of the hills of Braj - Page 3

Ecological disaster - Page 4

Historic symbols blasted off - Page 5

Villagers protest against hill destruction - Page 6

NDA Leader condemns BJP Govt. of Rajasthan for destroying Krishna

Hills - Page 7

Outrage amongst US based Indians - Page 8

Open contempt of the Supreme Court directives by Vasundhara Raje

Govt. - Page 9

Know the real Braj - Page 10

BRD's Inspiration - Page 11

Viable alternative to mindless mining - Page 12

 

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Page 1

------

 

**************************

Lord Krishna's hills being destroyed by pseudo-Hindu Govt. of

Vasundhara Raje

 

5000 year old heritage being blasted off by dynamite

 

Open violation of Supreme Court & Rajasthan High Court

directives

 

Biggest ecological disaster in Braj

 

**************************

 

 

Bharatpur (Rajasthan), Hindus of the world are shocked and surprised

to know that the BJP is allowing the large scale destruction of Lord

Krishna's land in the Rajasthan part of Braj. Dozens of heritage

hills in the land of Lord Krishna popularly known as Braj are facing

a massive threat from the rampant illegal mining activities. Several

of them have already been reduced to dust while several others are

waiting their turn.

 

The BJP Government led by Smt. Vasundhara Raje has refused to

respond to the outcry of millions of Hindu devotees world over. She

told a delegation of Hindu saints led by Haribol Baba and

representatives of Braj Rakshak Dal, a NGO fighting for the

protection of these sacred heritage hills in Braj, "Do whatever you

feel like, we cannot stop this."

 

Despite repeated requests the national leadership of BJP has failed

to check these un-mindful actions of its Chief Minister in

Rajasthan.

 

The Kaman tehsil of Bharatpur district is the epicenter of the

current mining activities in the Braj region. This is happening in

total violation of the directives of the Rajasthan High Court and in

gross contempt of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India as the entire

region falls within the Taj Trapezium zone where any kind of

polluting and environment degrading activity is banned.

 

According to the experts mining and stone crushing is a major

polluting industry. The large scale air, water and noise pollution

created by these industries in the region is evident even to a

layman and needs no expert opinion.

 

Braj Rakshak Dal - a non political voluntary organization of

Brajwasis, the local inhabitants of the region and devotees of Sri

Radha Krishna from all over the world is fighting a tough battle to

protect the heritage hills of Braj.

 

Inspired by a 70 year old revolutionary saint Sri Ramesh Baba

of Gahvarvan, Barsana (Mathura), over 10,000 members of the group

from the rural areas of Braj region and a large number of its

members from different parts of the world are actively trying to

mobilize support and public opinion for the protection of these

hills and other heritage sites in Braj.

 

A profound scholar Baba says that Lord Krishna was the biggest

environmentalist and thereby it becomes the duty of His devotees to

restore and preserve the ecology of Braj - Krishna's eternal abode.

 

--------------------------

E-petition on the internet

--------------------------

An internet petition to save the hils of Braj was posted in

January 2005 at www.petitiononline.com/Barsana/petition.html.

Support this cause by signing this. Several remarks have been made

by thousands of concerned people from all over the world in suppport

of it.

 

Ms. Preeti Dawra a former Journalist with UN in New York,

writes from Singapore, "I whole heartedly support this worthy cause

of saving our rich and unique cultural heritage. It must not be

sacrificed to some petty economic interests."

 

Sandeep Puri from USA writes "In the history I read that the

Muslim invaders/rulers damaged our temples. But here I see that the

Hindu Govt. headed by BJP is destroying our heritage. Shame to govt.

and all Hindus who see all the destructions quietly."

 

2519 people from all over the world have so far signed this

petition. A total moratorium on all mining activities in the Braj

region is warranted at the earliest so that these priceless heritage

spots can be held intact.

 

 

---

Braj is not just Mathura - Vrindavan

---

 

Braj is located some 115 Kms from Delhi on the Delhi – Agra national

highway. The entire region spans across the Mathura district of UP,

parts of Bharatpur district of Rajasthan and Faridabad district of

Haryana.Generally people think that Braj is Mathura or Vrindavan

alone. The fact is that the entire region of Braj comprises of over

1300 villages, each of which has some or the other Krishna leela

associated. The entire region lies well within the Golden triangle

of Delhi – Jaipur – Agra.

 

------------------------

Page 2 ::Editor's Page::

------------------------

Wherever there is Krsna, the master of all mystics, and

wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also

certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality.

(Bhagvad Gita Chapter 18 Shloka 78)

 

*******************

------------------------

Raje surpasses Aurangzeb

------------------------

 

The brutal destruction of heritage hills in Braj is an issue which

needs immediate attention of the highest judiciary, government,

media and environmentalists. It is unfortunate that despite

persistant attempts to convince Ms Vasundhra Raje the people and

saints of Braj have not got any relief from her government during

the past two years.

 

As would be evident by going through this paper that the BJP

led Rajasthan Government is doing a cultural hara-kiri by allowing

the blasting of heritage hills in Braj. Although, the leases for

this kind of un-mindful mining were doled out way back in 1989 but

the level of devastation which is happening now is unprecedented.

Large scale machinization, illegal use of dynamite, total violation

of environmental laws have forced the local Brajwasis and devotees

to come forward to protect their heritage hills. It is unfortunate

that the successive Congress and BJP governments in Rajasthan have

not bothered to look into the ecological, economical and cultural

aspects of these hills while granting lease for mining in Braj.

 

Sri Ramesh Baba is the only saint who has waged a war against

the destruction of environment and heritage of Braj. It was due to

his protests that the mining in UP part of Braj was stopped sometime

back. He has been protesting against the mining in Rajasthan part of

Braj ever since the mine mafia shifted their activity from the

Aravali Hills around Delhi to Braj. They were forced to do this when

the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India took serious note of the havoc

caused by them on Aravali hills.

 

The previous Chief Minister of Rajasthan Mr. Ashok Gehlot

responded to the appeal of Sri Ramesh Baba and imposed ban on mining

of the Ashtakoot Hills. However this turned out to be a temporary

relief. What is shocking for the millions of Hindus and saints that

the current plunder of the heritage hills of Braj is happening in a

BJP regime.

 

Despite the recent controversies about BJP president's

ideological somersaults majority of Hindus world over are told that

BJP is the only party which cares for their religious sentiments.

Saints and millions of devotees in India and abroad are shocked and

agitated on Ms Vasundhara Raje's attitude towards Braj. Knowing

fully well that the hills of Braj are associated with Lord Krishna's

pastimes she has allowed large scale illegal destruction of the

heritage hills in Braj. Even Aurangzeb did not destroy this heritage

of Braj.

 

In gross violation of the Apex Court of this country dynamite

is being openly and widely used in the blasting of these hills.

Heavily loaded trucks of masonry stones have made deep pot holes on

the roads of Braj which pass through Deeg, Kaman, Seu, Barsana,

Nandgaon and Goverdhan. This causes tremendous discomfort to the

pilgrims who often shy away from these places of great religious

significance. Several experts including professors from IITs are of

the opinion that the hills of Braj should be preserved for

geological considerations. Rajasthan is facing acute shortage of

water and fodder. The hills of Braj have traditionally been the

pasturelands for cattle. Even the pastoral communities from far off

areas of western Rajasthan migrate towards Braj in search of fodder

for

their cattle. Experts are of the firm belief that if these hills are

developed as pasture lands then the Government of Rajasthan will

earn more revenue than it is earning by destryoing these hills.

 

The need of the hour is for all the environmentalists,

religious leaders and lovers of Braj to join hands and demand

complete ban on mining and stone crushing in the entire region of

Braj. However, the final blow to the mine mafia will only come from

the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, which has protected several

hills in the past such as Aravalli hills around Delhi and the hills

of Doon valley. Braj hills are more important than the rest because

in addition to their ecological significance they are a priceless

heritage for the millions of people worldwide.

 

Vineet Narain

Editor-in-Chief Kalchakra

 

--------------------------------

What BJP Government of Rajasthan could have done to check the brutal

destruction of heritage hills of Braj ?

--------------------------------

On being confronted by the media the Chief minister and Mine

minister of Rajasthan claim that they have taken several steps to

protect the heritage hills of Braj, yet the agitating people of Braj

are not satisfied. The fact is that this claim is misleading because

if Ms Raje was serious her government would have taken the following

steps to stop the illegal mining in the Rajasthan portion of Braj.

 

• It would have abided by the directions of the Hon'ble Rajasthan

High court (dated May 18th 2004) to check the large scale illegal

mining in the region.

 

• It would have taken stern actions against those illegal mining

operations even to the extent of cancellation of the lease.

But unfortunately not a single such proceeding against any of the

mine has been made. Even the imposition of any fine and penalty

against any mine owner for not installing pillar or indicating any

boundary marks at the place of mining activity has been done.

 

• It would have ensured the proper execution of the eco-friendly

mining plan on the part of the miners. This plan prescribes the mode

and manner in which the mining activity is to be performed keeping

in view the environment management plan, ecology and reclamation,

disposal of waste, selection of site for stacking, mineral

beneficiation, storage and preservation of top soil, compensatory

afforestation.

 

The ground reality is that the approved mining plan is a mere paper

formality between the mine owner and the mining department. These

plans don't have any sanctity if they are not followed strictly.

 

• It would have taken a policy decision not to grant any futher

mining lease in the region.

 

• It would have initiated steps to get the entire region declared as

a heritage zone and thereby would have banned all sorts of mining

activities in this zone of cultural, historic and spiritual

importance.

 

• To compensate for its lost revenue, the government would have

worked towards the sustainable alternatives like the development of

pasture lands on these hills and by grooming the heritage sites into

new eco-tourism destinations.

 

 

--------------------------------

Make noise if you care for Braj

**************

 

After going through this special edition of Kalchakra all the lovers

of nature, Indian culture, devotees and Hindus in general will be

very disturbed Please do not keep quiet. On the letter-head of your

organisation, association, club, group or institution write a

statement condemning the brutal destruction of heritage hills in

Braj, sign it and send it as a press release to the journalists in

your town. You may write to the Prime Minister of India and leader

of BJP to take immediate action.

 

Please also demand that Braj should be declared as heritage zone by

the Govt. of India. We also look forward to your email, letter or

phone calls on this issue.

 

Kalchakra C-6/28, SDA, Hauz Khas, New Delhi - 110016

Tel : (011) 2656-6800, Fax (011) 2651-9080

E-mail : kalchakra@v...

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Page 3 ::Heritage::

-------------------

 

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Religious significance of the hills of Braj

----------

 

The administration of Mathura and Bharatpur confirms that

millions of devotees from all over the world regularly come for

parikrama around these holy hills and pay their obeisance unto them.

These hills bear innumerable marks of Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha –

Krishna Bhagwan and are associated with their various pastimes.

Some of these hills are considered to be demi-gods personified in

hill forms. Nandishwar Parvat in Nandgaon is revered as Lord Shiva,

the four hills in Barsana viz. Brahmanchal are considered to be the

four heads of Lord Brahma. Giri Goverdhan is Lord Vishnu personified

and the Ashtakoot hills in the district of Bharatpur are considered

to be associated with the eight main sakhis of Radha Rani.

 

 

His Holiness Sri Ramesh Baba of Gahvarvan Barsana says

that "All the prominent spiritual mountains which find mention in

Hindu scriptures have their replica in Braj – Trikoot, Mainak,

Gandhmadan, Vindhyachal, Rohitanchal etc. All the prominent pilgrim

centers of India too have their replicas in Braj. Badrinath,

Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri etc lie amidst

these hills of Braj. Besides there are other heritage spots like

Phisalini Shila-natural slider over which Krishna used to slide with

his friends, Bhojan Thali - naturally carved stone thalis in which

Krishna and his friends used to have their packed lunch, caves of

Jadkhor - where Krishna took shelter with his hundreds of cowherd

friends, Saugandhini Shila - by touching this rock Krishna took a

vow before Brajwasis that he will never ever leave Braj. All of

these and several other heritage spots are facing severe threat

because of mindless minning around them. They should be protected

and conserved at all costs."

 

--------------------------------

Some of the Religiously Important Hills of Braj associated with

the leelas of Sri Radha & Krishna

-------------------------------

Goverdhan

Brahma Giri

Nandishwar

Adibadri

Rohitanchal

Nar Narayan Parvat

Trikoot Parvat

Mainak Parvat

Gandh Madan Parvat

Vindhyanchal Parvat

Kanakanchal Parvat

Dhawal Giri

Dev Sarovar Parvat

Gaal Parvat

Tapovan Parvat

Badrivan ParvatShantivan Parvat

Chandanvan Parvat

Maltivan Parvat

Harinkhoi Parvat

Gangotri Parvat

Jamunotri Parvat

Haridwar Parvat

Pighlivani Parvat

Pashupati Nath Parvat

Naubari Chaubari Parvat

Gendua Giriraj Parvat

Rankadri Parvat

Rankuvan Parvat

Ashta Sakhi Parvat

Charan Pahari

 

 

Rajasthan Govt's irrational Order

 

All these transcedental hills find mention in various scriptures and

have been revered by seers and devotees for thousands of years. The

Mine Minister of Rajasthan, Mr. Lakshmi Narayan Dave, it seems, has

no understanding of the scriptures and concern for the sentiments of

the devotees. He says, that his government has banned mining within

the 500 meter radius of leelasthalis.

 

The government of Rajasthan passed an order dated 27th January 2005

to close down those quarries and crushers which lie in the 500 meter

vicinity of the Braj Yatra path. The same has not been complied with

till date.

 

Protesting sadhus say that there is no fixed Braj yatra path and it

varies from sampradaya to sampradaya. In fact parikrama of every

hill of Braj is performed.

 

Devotees feel that the rationale of banning mining in the 500 meter

radius of a leela-sthali is ridiculous. If a leela-sthali is on top

of one hill and other is on the other hill then by following this

order the miners will leave minarets of 500 meter radii. The fact is

that every hill of Braj is sacred and has been treaded by Krishna.

Hence the entire range of Braj hills must be protected.

 

-------------------------------

Page 4 ::Ecology::

-------------------

 

-------------------

Ecological disaster

-------------------

 

The illegal dynamite blasts on these hills throw rock, splinters and

sand dust over large areas. This causes serious injuries and often

kills innocent deers, peacocks, grazing cattle and local population.

Without taking into consideration this ecological disaster the

Rajasthan government has been blindly granting lease for this kind

of mining. These leaseholders exploit the

opportunity to the maximum by violating all norms.

 

An investigation committee appointed by the Hon'ble Rajasthan High

Court has observed in their report, "The entire hill track is being

defaced and being denuded of the rocks, vegetation and plantation

and the loss already incurred is irreparable and cannot be

compensated by any means and in our humble opinion such unwarranted

interference with ecology deserves to be stopped.

 

The mining activities witnessed by us has compelled us to reach a

conclusion that the miners have only one motive and i.e. as to how

and in which manner they can accelerate their pace of profit earning

at the cost of ecology, environment and total degradation of the

existing flora and fauna, exploiting the natural resources brutally

and insidiously."

 

The report further states, "The Department of Mines is bound to take

stringent action even to the extent of cancellation of the lease but

unfortunately we could not find a single case which there department

has initiated steps against any of the mine imposing any fine and

penalty against any mine owner for not installing pillar or

indicating any boundary marks at the place of mining activity".

 

The local people complain that their overloaded stone filled trucks

perennially damage the roads of Braj. The visiting pilgrims have to

bear the brunt of these bad roads. Social activist, Sh. Radhakant

Shastri, says, "Besides the spiritual

significance, these hills have been central to the maintenance of

ecological balance of the region. The massive and mindless mining of

these hills is causing an irreparable damage to the environment of

the entire region. The forest cover is getting lost. The mining

activities have paved the path of heavy pollution of water

resources. The vegetation and plantation of the region is getting

depleted heavily. There has been marked shift in the rainfall

patterns all over the region".

 

-------------------------------

Stop mining in Braj at once says Central Pollution Control Board

-------------------------------

 

The Central Pollution Control Board recently conducted an inspection

of the mining activities in the entire Braj region, which included

the Deeg and Kaman tehsils of Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. In

its report dated 14.11. 05 it has made strong observations against

the Rajasthan Govt and has made the following recommedations:

 

(1) Ceasing of the mining activity at once,

(2) Possible restoration of the area by means of filling with earth,

and subsequent plantation,

(3) Removal of all rock splinters from the entire area,

(4) Removal of rock-blasters / all technical aids from the abandoned

mining area,

(5) Withdrawal / revoking of consent granted to stone-crushers, (6)

Repairing of all connecting roads to all the places of religious

interest as well as for local connectivity,

(7) Environmental impact assessment because of such devastating

activity followed by

(8) Preparation of Environmental Management Plan for the entire

region and implementation of the remedial measures.

 

This detailed report is an eye opening account of the illegal mining

which is going on in Braj, specially under the Raje government,

defying all laws and norms. This report confirms the allegations

made by the sadhus of Braj, Brajwasis, devotees and the volunteers

of Braj Rakshak Dal.

 

--------------------------------

Page 5 ::Scam::

---------------

------------------------------

Historic symbols blasted off

------------------------------

 

Christians in Jerusalem and Muslims in Mecca have preserved

every symbol associated with the Christ and the Prophet while the

BJP government of Rajasthan is destroying several historic sites

associated with Lord Krishna in Braj

If one surveys the Kaman area one would be shocked to see the kind

of destructive activities rampant over here.

 

---------------

Phisalini Shila

---------------

The recent glaring example is of the Phisalini Shila. It was

the natural slider on which Krishna used to slide with his friends.

It was intact till last year when the Television cameras of

Kalchakra took its pictures. This year this 5000 years old heritage

has developed major cracks due to the blasts clearly visible in the

picture above. Next year the pilgrims may

not find it.

 

---------------

Vyomasur's cave

---------------

Vyomasur's cave is the spot where Lord Krishna killed the

Vyomasur demon. Rampant mining is going on just a few yards from the

cave. Soon this cave would also be destroyed

 

---------

Khatshila

---------

 

Khatshila was the natural stone bed on which Lord Krishna used

to take rest during the grazing of cows. For centuries saints and

devotees had been circumambulating around this shila. This shila has

now been reduced to dust by the mining mafia by using dynamite. The

mine mafia did so to ensure free-play for them since several of

their mines were operating within the 500 meter radius of this

heritage site.

 

-------------

Charan Pahari

-------------

Charan Pahari is the hillock over which several foot prints of

Krishna are impringed. This hill is also on the verge of destruction

due to pervasive mining.

 

---------------

Cave of Jadkhor

---------------

 

The cave of Jadkhor was the place where Krishna hid along with

his friends and cows once. The cave is quite long with entrance on

one hill and exit on a far off hill. Mining activities have reached

close to this cave.

 

-----------------

Saugandhini Shila

-----------------

 

Saugandhini Shila was the rock on which Krishna vowed to

Brajwasis never to leave Braj. This shila is also fearing the

threats of extinction.

 

Incidentally all these leela-sthalis find mention in the

scriptures. Once destroyed future generations would question the

validity of these scriptures. We may build new temples by spending

millions but will we be able to re-create these hills in future ?

 

 

--------------------------------

Muslims of Kaman demand banning of mining

-------------------------------

In recent months saints, devotees and Brajwasis have staged

several dharnas around these hills. They chant the holy names and

pray to the Lord to protect His eternal abode. Interesting enough

several Muslims from the local villages also join these dharnas and

demand total banning of mining in Braj.

 

On being questioned they said that they care for the sentiments

of their Hindu brothers. More importantly it is the ecological and

economic consideration which has inspired them to support this

cause. It is learnt that ASI has recommended banning of mining in

this area because of its heritage value. It is interesting to

mention that this recommendation has come from a Muslim officer of

ASI, who mentions in his report that these hills find mention in

ancient Hindu scriptures and have many sites associated with Lord

Krishna.

 

Swami Govind Teerth Maharaj of Vrindavan says "While the 500 year

old Taj Mahal is given so much importance on the Heritage front,

millions are spent on its maintenance and thousands have been

uprooted for safeguarding its grandeur and splendor; the 5000 year

old heritage of Braj is completely being ignored and neglected."

 

 

 

------------------------------

Page 6 ::People's Initiative::

------------------------------

 

--------------------------------

Villagers protest against hill destruction

--------------------------------

 

On April 4th, 2005 over 6000 villagers gathered at the Seu

village in the Bharatpur district to protest against the mindless

mining in the region under the aegis of Braj Rakshak Dal. This

village harbors the famous caves of Jadkhor which can accommodate

over 300 people and the Saugandhini shila. The villagers submitted a

memorandum to the administration to

intervene and protect their heritage sites.

 

The growing unrest amongst the local villagers over the

pervasive mining activities at Seu wasn't taken care of by the

district administration. In contrast, they continued their

protection to the mining mafia. On April 21st a clash between the

villagers and the mining mafia took place in which the mining mafia

fired at unarmed villagers. This led to the calling of police which

unfortunately took side of the mining mafia. The villagers were

terrorized and provoked by 700 policemen who surrounded this village

to create panic. This led to some violence. After the ugly incident

villagers were harassed by the police. The women were ill-treated

and were not even being allowed to cook in their kitchens. The

villagers thereafter demanded an independent probe into the role of

Police in this area where illegal mining is being carried out.

 

The mining mafia had destroyed a temple in the village

recently. Their activities have endangered 5000 years old cave of

Jadkhor. It is pertinent to mention that the villagers and devotees

from different parts of the country regularly visit this cave for

pilgrimage.

 

 

------------------------------

Seminar in Delhi on Brutal Destruction of Heritage Hills

-------------------------------

On May 7th, 2005 a seminar was organized in the Constitution

Club, New Delhi which was addressed by noted environmentalist and

Supreme Court Lawyer Mr. M C Mehta, Member Secretary of the Central

Pollution Control Board Dr. B Sen Gupta, several representatives of

NGOs, environmentalists, academicians and prominent saints of Braj.

 

------------------------------

1000 saints and 10000 Brajwasis protest at Vimal Kund, Kama

------------------------------

 

On 21st Aug. 2005 over 1000 eminent saints of Braj and elsewhere

collectively protested against the unscrupulous mining of Krishna

hills. They chastised the BJP govt. of Rajasthan for not paying heed

to the sentiments of millions of Hindus world over. They expressed

their disgust that the party which came into prominence on the issue

of Ram Janma Bhoomi is brutally destroying the Krishna land.

 

 

-----------------

Page 7 Governance

-----------------

 

-------------------------------

NDA Leader condemns BJP Govt. of Rajasthan for destroying

Krishna Hills

----------------------------

 

>From June 8th the Brajwasis of a large number of villages launched a

protest against the brutal destruction of their heritage hills. The

same continued till July 10th and culminated in the form of a large

public meeting of 25000 villagers. It was addressed by noted

environmentalist and former Union Minister Ms. Maneka Gandhi.

Exorting villagers to protect the sacred hills where Lord Krishna

spent his childhood, Ms. Gandhi asked them to treat mine owners as

outsiders and protect the hills by launching a crusade against them

like "our defence forces did in Kargil". She also flayed the state

BJP government for not paying heed to repeated requests by villagers

and Sadhus to stop mining

activities on the hills which had great historical and ecological

importance.

 

 

--------------------------------

Vasundhara Raje ignores the advise of BJP, VHP, RSS leadership

--------------------------------

On 28th March 2005, the convener of Braj Rakshak Dal , Mr. Vineet

Narain, wrote to the Ex-Prime Minister Mr. A.B. Vajpayee, President

of BJP Mr. LK Advani, VHP President Sh. Ashok Singhal Ji,

Sarsanghchalak of RSS Sh. K.S. Sudershan Ji, and other prominent

leaders of BJP requesting them to intervene and protect the heritage

of Braj. Although, they promptly acknowledged the letter but

unfortunately, no concrete action has been taken by Ms. Raje the BJP

Chief Minister of Rajasthan.

 

 

--------------

Delhi Campaign

--------------

---------------

Jaipur Campaign

---------------

Sadhus, villagers and Volunteers of Braj Rakshak Dal led by

Dr. Ramji Lal Shastri canvassed the entire city from 9 -16 April

2005 to educate the residents of Jaipur. Questions were raised by

Mr. BD Kalla, Leader opposition in Rajasthan Assembly on this issue.

Popular dailies of Rajasthan published several articles on this

campaign but Raje Govt. remainded unmoved.

 

---------------

Punjab Campaign

---------------

Swami Krishnanand Maharaj of Benawal, campaigned throughout Punjab

and sent thousands of signed letters from different towns to

concerned authorities to stop unmindful mining in Braj region.

 

----------------

Gujarat Campaign

----------------

HH Sh. Madhavpriya Swami of Swaminarain Gurukul Rajkot campaigned in

Gujarat and talked to several Vaishnav Acharyas and people of

Gujarat about this desctruction. They have also appealed to the

authorities.

 

--------------

I.I.Ts protest

--------------

Students of different IITs, professionals from Mumbai and prominent

citizens and environmentalists from Chennai have also written to the

authorities demanding complete ban on mining and stone crushing in

Braj.

 

-------------

Media support

-------------

For the past one year entire Braj has been witnessing a series of

protests and demonstrations to protect the hills of Lord Krishna.

Several media houses like Doordarshan, Rozana, Zee News, Star News,

Sahara News and other prominent national dailies have been covering

this movement by BRD.

 

-------------------

BJP leader outraged

-------------------

Shri B.P. Singhal. Ex.DGP, UP Police and Ex. MP (BJP) Rajya Sabha

feels strongly about this issue. In a seminar organised by BRD he

said, "It is unfortunate that to protect religious heritage Hindu

saints and devotees of Lord Krishna have to protest against BJP

Govt. If the need be I will not hesitate in laying my life to

protect these revered hills."

 

Being the oldest Hindu pilgrim centre Braj should be the natural

strong hold of BJP. The fact that both the MP & MLA from Mathura

belong to Cong (I), it is evident that BJP has lost ground in its

traditional constituency. Even then BJP has not learnt its lesson.

The way BJP government is destroying Hindu heritage in Braj it will

have to pay heavy price in future.

 

------------

Page 8 World

------------

 

--------------------------------

Outrage amongst US based Indians

--------------------------------

 

The American Hindus are shocked to know that a BJP government is

allowing the destruction of Hindu heritage. while in USA and

elsewhere in the world they vehemently campaign as they are the only

custodians of the Hindu cause while all other parties are adamant to

destroy Hindu heritage.

 

A large scale signature campaign is on in the US whereby

signatures of several well known American Indians and some US

Senators on protest letters are being taken.

 

On 14th August 2005, the convener of Braj Rakshak Dal and

journalist Vineet Narain did a power point presentation before the

Hindu leaders from North American cities at New Jersey. In this

presentation on Integrated Braj Development Mr. Narain highlighted

the issue of destruction of the hills of Braj. Those who were

present in the audience besides American Hindu leaders were Mr. K S

Sudarshan, Sarsanghchalak of RSS, Mr. Pranav Pandya of Gayatri

Parivar Haridwar, HH Chidanand Muni of Parmartha Niketan Haridwar,

HH Dayanand Saraswati of Arsha Vidya Gurukul Coimbatore, Mr. Ram

Madhav, spokesperson RSS.

 

Prior to this Mr. Narain had written letters (along with a VCD

and other material to substantiate the large scale destruction going

on in Braj) to the BJP, VHP and RSS leaders. "Although some of these

leaders immediately responded and wrote to the Chief Minister

Rajasthan yet nothing substantial has been done so far to stop the

mining in Braj" says Mr. Narain.

 

Braj Rakshak Dal has been distributing a short film in Hindi and

English on the Brutal destruction of heritage hills in Braj. This

film has very explicitly shown the magnitude of the ongoing

devastation in the region and has lucidly presented legal and

environmental arguments.

 

After looking at the film the NRIs are astonished everywhere.

Columbia based interfaith leader Mrs Arunima Sinha has been hosting

several top Hindu religious leaders of India at her home in USA in

recent years. She is involved with the creation of World

Encyclopedia of Hinduism.

 

In November 2004 she visited the sites in Braj and was shocked

to see the horrendous scene. She led a delegation of NRIs and local

activists of Braj Rakshak Dal to the Minister and Secretary Mines,

Government of Rajasthan at Jaipur. Her argument was that the Indians

world over bring their children to show them the rich cultural

heritage of India but if the heritage is being destroyed like this

what will be left for posterity.

 

In a press conference at Jaipur visibly upset Mrs Sinha

further added "There cannot be a better example of the hypocrisy of

the Bharatiya Janata Party who portrays itself to be a patron of

Indian heritage and Culture, yet is paying no heed to the

conservation and protection of these hills with which the sentiments

and devotion of millions is attached. Despite innumerable

representations, the Vasundhara Raje government has turned a deaf

ear and blind eye to the above mentioned cause".

 

The media persons were told by the representatives of BRD that the

delegation was disappointed with their evasive attitude of the

Mining Minister and the Chief Minister of Rajasthan,. The lame

excuse that the stopping of mining activities would render thousands

unemployed doesn't bear much of weight in the light of alternate

benefits which can be reaped if these heritage hills are protected,

safeguarded and developed.

 

Subsequently there have been several meetings with the Mine

Minister and President Rajasthan BJP and concerned Secretaries of

the Govt. but no headway has been made in the right direction.

 

--------------

Media Comments

--------------

 

"A wide scale activism is going to protect the hills of Braj

which contain innumerable heritage spots connected to Krishna but

are unfortunately being blasted out by the mining mafia duly

supported by the Rajasthan Government."

India Journal, USA, Sep 16, 2005

 

 

"A wider afforestation of these hills would restore the ecological

balance of the region, resulting in a correction of rainfall

patterns, which would, in turn prevent the westward spread of the

Rajasthan desert. Revenues can also be generated from the resulting

forest wealth and pasturelands in the Braj region, which offer vast

potential for eco-tourism and religious tourism."

Economic Times, 12th January 2005

 

 

"Illegal mining is destroying Braj bhoomi, threatening heritage

sites and disturbing ecological balance of the region regarded as

the mythological setting for Krishnaleela."

The Times of India, 4th Feb. 2005

 

"Cattle have suffered immensely since the mining has chipped away at

green tracts. Some of the landscape is fabled to have been the

setting for the romance of the divine lovers Krishna and Radha,

depicted in many art forms."

IANS May 4, 2005

 

"In a rare protest in the Braj region associated with Lord Krishna,

a large number of villagers are holding a round-the-clock ``Harinaam

Kirtan`` since June 3 to protest against large-scale quarrying on

the sacred hills, lying in the ecologically fragile Taj trapezium

zone of this district, in utter contempt of the Rajasthan High Court

and Supreme Court orders."

ZEE News, July 11th, 2005

 

"The sacred Braj hills known for the Radha-Krishna courtship are

under threat from deforestation, particularly from miner mafia which

is denuding the land of all its grandeur."

Deccan Herald, May 8th, 2005

 

 

----------

Page 9 Law

----------

 

--------------------------------

Open contempt of the Supreme Court directives by Vasundhara Raje

Govt.

--------------------------------

 

"The mining activity which is going on in Deeg and Kaman tehsils of

Bharatpur district of Rajasthan is being done by violating the

directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India", says Mr. MC

Mehta, noted environmentalist and Supreme Court lawyer.

 

In a recently held seminar in the Constitution Club of Delhi on

Brutal Destruction of Heritage Hills in Braj Mr. Mehta commented

 

"The entire Braj region falls within the Taj Trapezium Zone where

any kind of polluting activity which includes Mining and Stone

crushing is totally banned.

 

Whatsoever mining is happening in the region is clear cut contempt

of the Supreme Court of India."

 

Speaking in the same seminar Member Secretary, Central Pollution

Control Board Dr. B Sen Gupta said "All the mining which is

happening in Braj region is violating all the guidelines and

regulations of the Central Pollution Control Board. The respective

State Governments are fully responsible for this violation."

 

In the map shown here the Taj Trapezium Zone is clearly demarcated.

The region to the extreme left top of this trapezium is the area

where large scale mining in going on. This region falls within the

Kama tehsil of Distt. Bharatpur in Rajasthan. Braj Rakshak Dal is

getting a study done of the entire region through satellite

photographs and remote sensing. These satellite photos conclusively

prove that the Raje Government has allowed illegal and massive

destruction of the heritage hills of Braj without any consideration

for the local ecology. The GT sheets numbering 54E/2 and 54E/6 of

the Survey of India clearly show the hills of Braj centering around

the Barsana, Kaman and Deeg areas. A Professor of IIT has studied

the existence of some special geological features on these hills.

 

According to him these features are of great value for

geological studies, hence these hills need to protected and

preserved.

 

-------------------------------

Non-compliance of the Hon'ble Rajasthan High Court directives

-------------------------------

Thousands of local Brajwasis from several villages have been

protesting against mining in their region. Their complain is that

the Bharatpur administration is "criminally conniving" with the

mining mafia and letting go the plunder of their hills to happen.

Instead of ensuring the implementation of the approved mining plan

it is playing hand in glove with the mafia and is harassing the

village folks.

 

Compelled under such adverse circumstances the villagers of Bolkhera

(Raj.) filed a PIL in the Rajasthan High Court.

 

The Hon'ble High Court appointed a 2 member investigation committee

to investigate into the matter in its order dated 24.2.2004.

 

The exhaustive report of the committee was been vocal and explicit

enough to certify the large scale illegal mining in the entire

region.

 

Based on this report the Hon'ble Division Bench of the Hon'ble

Rajasthan High its order dated May 18th, 2004 observed that,

 

"We express our anguish with regard to the fact that the state

Government is allowing the mine operators to continue their mining

operations without the requisite consent or clearance from the

Pollution Control Board.

 

The State Government has failed in its duty to ensure the eco-

friendly mining operations in the state.

 

In these circumstances we direct the state government to take action

in accordance with law and stop the mining operations which are

taking place in contravention of the provisions of law and letter

and notification of the Central Government dated 27.1.1994 and

10.6.2003.

 

It is clear that the state has failed to ensure compliance with our

orders and has allowed illegal mining to go on."

 

 

Referring to the report of the investigation committee, the Bench

continued: "The Committee has taken pains to point out that not only

environment is under attack by the mining operations, even heritage

is being threatened. It is pointed out that Kaman Area of Bharatpur

District has five famous Jain temples, Temple of Lord Krishna and a

Cave of "Vyomasur". These sites have not only religious importance

but they are also important from point of view of heritage and

archaeology. The way mining operations are being conducted, it will

adversely affect the ancient temples and heritage sites.

 

The heritage must be protected and should not be allowed to be

destroyed by illegal mining operations.

 

The report also refers to the grant of mining leases at Lehsar where

each lease has been granted over an area of one hectare. The mining

areas are adjacent to each other, resulting in the formation of one

large continuous cluster.

 

The callous insensitivity of the State and most of the mine

operators towards ecology has caused grave and irreparable injury to

the environment.

 

The state shall ensure that illegal un-scientific and un-

systematic mining operations shall not be permitted to be carried on

unless mining lease holders adopt and adhere to the norms prescribed

under the law and the rules"

 

Despite such clear cut directions and orders of the Hon'ble

High Court, the Government of Rajasthan seems to be in a state of

inaction. A strong resentment among the masses is building up in the

region. People are getting organized and coming to streets to

protest against the brutal destruction of their hills.

 

-----------

Page 10 NGO

-----------

 

-------------------------------

Know the real Braj

-------------------------------

 

Often, we ignore the fact that the transcendental pastimes of

the Divine Couple Sri Radha Krishna Bhagwan were not performed in

the famous temples, posh ashrams or guest houses of Braj-Vrindavan.

They were rather performed in the forests, on the banks of river

Yamuna, at the numerous Kunds and on the holy hills of Sri Braj

Dham. Lord Krishna was the biggest environmentalist. He purified all

the five elements of nature. His devotees must protect the

environment of Braj.

 

 

Out of 48 beautiful forests connected to the Raas leela, only 3 are

left in their natural form. Rest have been reduced into barren

lands. Their size vary from 5 acres to 350 acres.

 

Out of over 1000 ancient beautiful Kunds, 80% have been filled with

silt, their carved chhatris and ghats have broken down.

 

Out of 27 beautiful ghats of Yamuna at Vrindavan, only one is left.

Rest have been encroached upon or smuggled out of the country.

 

Yamuna is 10 million times more polluted than the tolerance limit.

 

Several heritage hills bearing footprints of Lord Krishna in Braj

are being brutally blasted out by the stone mafia using dynamite.

 

Criticism or remorse alone won't suffice and can't serve the cause

of Braj. The destruction of Braj has to be stopped with full force;

by the application of mind, body, money, time, resources and power.

The original face of the Braj has to be restored.

 

For the realization of the above mentioned objectives the Braj

Rakshak Dal has been constituted Braj Rakshak Dal is a non

political, voluntary organization of Brajwasis, devotees of Shri

Radha Krishna Bhagwan, Environmentalists, Activists, Media Persons

and Conservationists committed to protect and restore the

environment and rich cultural heritage of Shri Braj Dham

 

 

-------------------------------

Braj Rakshak Dal's achievements so far

-------------------------------

----------------

Kund restoration

----------------

 

Out of the over 1000 historic kunds, 16 have been restored so

far. BRD has two earthmovers and needs 33 more to accomplish the job

of restoring all the kunds of Braj in the next 5 years.

 

BRD has engaged a leading architectural firm from Delhi to do

the listing and detailed survey of all the kunds of Braj - a task no

government in the pre-independence or post independence era has

accomplished so far. The survey of 100 kunds is complete and the

work is on for the rest.

 

-----------------

Grove restoration

-----------------

Braj Rakshak Dal has got the detailed survey of all the groves

of Braj done by engaging a Pune based NGO BAIF. Detailed development

plans are being made with the help of architects and landscapers.

 

Leading companies like ONGC and IOCL have extended a helping hand in

this task of restoring the groves which are so important to the

ecology of Braj.

 

----------------

Hill restoration

----------------

BRD's efforts to protect and restore the hills of Braj can be

seen in this issue of Kalchakra.

 

----------------------

Community mobilization

----------------------

In order to facilitate the future maintenance of the restored

heritage sites and to ensure community participation in

developmental works the volunteers of BRD are going to every village

of Braj to mobilize the local community. 10000 volunteers of BRD

have been recruited from the rural areas of Braj so far. These

volunteers offer their services to manage events like Hariyali teej

at Banke Bihari temple and other festivals. Prabhaat pheris have

started in 500 out of the 1300 villages of Braj. These pheris have

helped in spreading environmental consciousness all over the region.

 

 

---------------

Film production

---------------

BRD has produced a number of audio cds, tv shows and VCDs on the

various facets of Braj culture, environment and its devastation. Any

one can exchange the unwritten cds with the written ones from the

BRD offices.

 

------------------

Tremendous support

------------------

Considering the broader implications of the objectives of BRD

top corporate houses, bureaucrats and politicians from different

political parties, professionals, media persons, conservationists

and NRIs are open heartedly extending their support in all the

activities of BRD. You too can join hands for this noble cause. For

more details you may visit www.brajrakshakdal.org.

 

--------------------------------

 

--------------

Page 11::NGO::

--------------

 

-----------------

BRD's inspiration

-----------------

70 year old Shree Ramesh Baba has been living on the hill top of

Maangarh in Barsana for the past 54 years in seclusion. A profound

scholar of Indian scriptures Baba transcends all narrow boundaries

of sampradays. A classical singer par excellence baba has composed

numerous ragas and thousands of pads. Adhering strictly to the

traditional ideal of saintliness he doesn't accept any disciple,

shuns opulence of any kind and inspires everyone who comes to him

for doing dhaam sewa with a selfless mood.

 

Following are a couple of quotes about Baba published in some

reputed publications.

 

"Baba is a man of few words, totally committed to action. He

believes in nishkam-karmayog - action without the anticipation of

results. Unlike most modern sants, he does not live in the comfort

of air-conditioned rooms or drive a Mercedes. His room is devoid of

any signs of luxury. Gunnysacks sprinkled with water hang at the

window to ward off the hot loo. It is this earthy appeal of

Baba that draws thousands of common people to his movement."

The Pioneer

 

 

"Thanks to the efforts Shree Ramesh Baba of Maan Mandir, Barsana,

who has researched extensively all the leelasthalis of Braj for the

last 54 years, the Braj Rakshak Dal was formed. Today the Braj

Rakshak Dal, a fledgling group of Brajwasis and devotees of Shree

Radha and Krishna from all over the world, is dedicated to the

restoration of over 1000 kunds, revival of 48 forests, protection

and afforestation of numerous hills and the

resurrection of river Yamuna all connected to the leelas of Shree

Radha and Krishna. The group has so far been successful to restore

over 16 such kunds."

The Times of India

 

 

--------------------------------

Braj Rakshak Dal does not solicit funds

--------------------------------

 

If you are interested in visiting these sites of restoration or the

innumerable leelasthalis you may contact BRD offices. Full

assistance would be provided to you. Braj Rakshak Dal has no bank

account. It does not solicit funds.

 

All the developmental works are executed through Sri Maan Mandir

Sewa Sansthan Trust, Gahvarvan, Barsana, Dist. Mathura. Phone: 05662-

246343. Donation to this trust are exempted from income tax under

80G. This trust is managed by renounced sadhus who do not spend even

a penny for their personal expense. Under the guidance of Shri

Ramesh Baba 70 sadhus live an exemplary life of austerity, something

to be seen to appreciate.

 

If you want to support these restoration activities in the

land of Radha Krishna you may send your donations to the above trust

through cheques or bank drafts.

 

--------------------------------

 

----------------

Page 12 Solution

----------------

 

------------------------

Viable alternative to mindless mining

Destruction gives Rs 7 crore revenue, conservation would give Rs 19

crore annually

------------------------

 

Rajasthan Government gives a lame argument that if the mining of

these hills is stopped then it will lose both revenue and

employment. Contrary to this claim, the villagers of this region say

that hardly any employment has been given to them as all the work is

being done by using heavy machinery and dynamite.

 

They say that for thousands of years these hills have given shelter

to them and have protected them in times of adversity. Laden with

dense forests these hills have prevented the desertification of the

region. They have ensured appropriate rainfall in Braj which

facilitates a rich harvest round the year.

 

They also explain that the cow based economy of Braj has always been

sustained by these hills. They have traditionally been the pasture

lands for the cattle. Their livelihood has been supported by these

natural structures for thousands of years.

 

In the most revered scripture Srimad Bhagwatam it is mentioned that

the cows of Krishna used to graze on all the hills of Braj.

 

In Yajur Veda it is mentioned that whereever the cows roam and graze

is Braj.

 

If these hills are developed as pasture lands for the cattle they

would provide rich fodder and would thereby improve the economic

condition of the villagers.The hills of Braj have a sloping area of

around 72 sq. kms which translates into 17,800 acres. At an average

cost of Rs 10,000 per acre these hills can be developed into pasture

lands. Thus, with an investment of Rs 18 crore all the hills of Braj

can be groomed into green pasture land. Out of this amount of 18

crore the majority chunk would be spent on human labour. Hence

without destroying the hills tremendous employment would be

generated.

 

According to the experts engaged by Braj Rakshak Dal one acre land

produces around 7,200 kg of grass annually. Thus, the hills of Braj

would provide around 1.3 lakh ton of grass. Even by the rate of Rs

1.5 per kg this much grass would earn a revenue of Rs 19 crore 22

lakhs annually.

 

It is reliably learnt that the Rajasthan government is getting

only around 7 crore rupees in revenue from the mining of these

hills. The project coordinator of Braj Rakshak Dal Mr. Raghav Mittal

(B.Tech, M.Tech, IIT KGP) says, "It is clear that the mining of

hills is not justified from even the economic considerations. If

these hills are protected and developed as pasture lands then the

economy of the region will get a major boost."

 

Shri Ramesh Baba of Barsana, who has been crusading for the past 52

years, against vested interests, to protect the natural heritage of

Braj, said, "A wider afforestation of these hills and their

development as pasture land will would restore the ecological

balance of the region resulting in the growth of dairy industry,

which is the traditional occupation of the land of Gopal".

 

 

Unfortunately the hazardous synthetic milk is being openly sold in

Braj where millions of pilgrims come in the hope of getting pure

milk of cows.

 

-----------

Eco Tourism

-----------

As Braj falls within the golden triangle of Delhi, Agra Jaipur

the entire region can be groomed as a happening eco-tourism

destination. In the backdrop of these hills, Braj can offer a

wonderful experience with its rich culture and vast heritage. Irony

is that by paying peanuts as revenue the mine mafia is taking away a

huge chunk of stone from the region causing irreparable loss.

 

--- End forwarded message ---