The brutal destruction of heritage hills in the Braj region: Land of Krsna petition

krsna · February 1, 2005

BRUTAL DESTRUCTION OF VRAJA HILLS

by Raghav Mittal

To:

The Hon’ble Chief Justice

Supreme Court of India

New Delhi

Brutal destruction of heritage hills in Braj region (Mathura, Bharatpur and Faridabad districts)

Sir,

We the citizens of the global community wish to draw your kind attention towards the brutal destruction of heritage hills in the Braj region which spans across the districts of Mathura (UP), Bharatpur (Rajasthan) and Faridabad (Haryana). These hills have a historicity of more than 5000 years. Rampant mining is going on in Braj region violating the guidelines of the Rajasthan High Court. All this is causing havoc to the ecological balance of the region. A substantial part of the regional wildlife along with the flora and fauna has already been destroyed. This calls for an urgent intervention.

These hills have been associated with the numerous pastimes of Lord Krishna – the propounder of Bhagvad Gita, the world renowned treatise on philosophy. They bear many historic sites which are being blown off by using dynamite.

We understand that in a report the Archaeological Survey of India has recommended a complete ban on mining in Braj area. It is significant that the emotional and religious sentiments of millions of Vaishnavite Hindus have been attached to these hills for ages. Millions come to circumambulate these holy hills every year and are deeply hurt to see the devastation of their centres of devotion.

These hills offer a tremendous potential for revenue generation through eco-tourism and religious tourism if they are protected and developed on these lines. They fall under the Taj Trapezium Zone and Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur & Agra.

After having tried at various government levels, we strongly feel that only the Apex Court of India can stop this irreparable destruction. We, the environmentalists, conservationists, social activists, media persons, professionals, residents of Braj and millions of Sri Krishna devotees request this Hon’ble Court to kindly immediately intervene in this matter and prevent the “disrobing of Braj Bhoomi”.

We request your Lordships to treat this petition as PIL and direct the Government of India and that of Rajasthan, UP and Haryana to immediately stop all forms of mining and stone crushing activity in the Braj region. Your Lordships may be pleased to kindly direct these governments to develop on these hills forests, orchards and pasture lands. The Lordships may also be pleased to direct the respective governments to take all possible measures to restore the natural grandeur of Braj.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

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