Shri Krsna

People from all over the world
come to India for spiritual or
cultural tourism
Varanasi, Vaishno Devi, Haridwar, Tirupati Balaji,
Jagannath Puri, Rameshwaram, Golden Temple,
Bodh Gaya, St. Xavier’s Church of Old Goa, Ajmer
Sharif, Nizamuddin, Braj-Vrindavan are some
sought after destinations
While most destinations are shrine-centric,
Braj Bhoomi spreads across 5000 sq km and
has a lot to offer

50 million tourists come to Braj annually
Taj Mahal receives merely 6 million tourists a year

Braj is the land of Lord Krishna,
propounder of world famous Srimad
Bhagvad Gita

Despite this Braj is grossly
neglected …
… it needs facelift to become
a world class
tourism destination

Historic efforts to restore
Heritage sites in Braj
by
The Braj Foundation
New Delhi Vrindavan Lucknow Jaipur
www.brajfoundation.org

Brahma Kund, Vrindavan
Had become garbage dumping ground for 200 years

after restoration

“It is a tribute to what can
be done with people’s
participation. An excellent
initiative, it would be our
effort to support it in all
possible manner.”
Chief Secretary
Govt. of UP
“I had the opportunity to
see the restoration of a
heritage site (Brahm Kund)
done by The Braj
Foundation. It is a
commendable work done
with great sensitivity”
Secretary
Planning Commission of India

Where is Braj?
 Located some 115 Kms from
Delhi on the Delhi – Agra
national highway
 The entire region lies well within
the Golden triangle of Delhi –
Jaipur – Agra
 Spans across the Mathura district
of UP, Bharatpur district of
Rajasthan and Palwal district of
Haryana Raj.
Haryana UP

How big is Braj ?
 Covers an expanse of 5000 sq. Km centering
around Vrindavan
 Comprises of over 1300 villages
 Over 1000 traditional water bodies (Kunds)
 137 sacred forests (Van)
 18000 acres of Hilly terrain with numerous
sacred heritage sites

Major tourism centers of Braj
 Mathura
 Vrindavan
 Gokul-Mahavan
 Baldeo
 Barsana
 Nandgaon
 Goverdhan
Deeg
Kaman
Hodal etc.

Braj’s Key Assets
Kunds
Forests
Heritages
Hills

Land of vibrant cultural traditions
and festivals
The villages of Braj are
replete with
innumerable festivals
showcasing the rich
culture and tradition of
the region round the
year.
These festivals should
be made the basis of all
tourism activities in the
region.
The Braj Foundation
has an extensive
documentation of these
festivals literary, video
recordings and other
formats.
HOLI
NAUKA UTSAV
RADHA ASHTAMI CHHAPAN BHOG

Over 6000 magnificent temples and holy
shrines associated with Sri Radha
Krishna

Braj had 137 transcendental Groves
Darshan Van, Badhauta Gahvarvan, Barsana
Belvan
Bhandir Van

All these groves are associated
with the numerous leelas of
Sri Radha & Krishna

Brahma Hill, Barsana
The Majestic Landscapes of Braj
Heritage Sites spread all over the
hills of Braj
Ashtasakhi Hills, Barsana

The splashing beauty of Braj
Radha Baoli, Vrindavan
Patit Pavan Kund, Gokul
Chandra Sarovar,
Goverdhan
Kishori Kund, Bijwari

Braj – the Cultural Capital of India
All forms of
Indian music,
literature,
arts - dances,
architecture,
cuisine, crafts,
theatre and other
aspects of culture
have distinct
influence of Braj.
Mohini AttamOdissi
Manipuri Kathakali
KuchipudiKathak
Kalamkari
Tanjore
Pata Chitra Miniature

All the sacred hills mentioned in
Indian scriptures are situated in Braj
Gangotri, BadrinathGandhmadan Parvat
Nar ParvatGoverdhan Hill

All these hills are connected to one
or the other pastimes of Krishna

GangotriYamunotri
BadrinathKedarnath
All the pilgrim centers of India have
their prototype in Braj

Fisalini Shila Saugandhini Shila
Bhojan Thali,
Leela sthalies on hills of Braj

Picturesque ghats of river
Yamuna
Keshi Ghat, Vrindavan
Vishram Ghat, Mathura

Numerous leelas were preformed
at the banks of Yamuna

Unfortunately
this vast heritage is lying
neglected, widely ignored and is
nearing extinction

Hills were being blasted out
The Times of India, New Delhi
Friday, February 4, 2005
Rajsthan Patrika
Alawar 2 April, 2005

Plight of Ancient Kunds
Out of over 1000 only 20% have survived
Lalita Madhav Kund, LodholiNayan Sarovar, Kaaman
Subhadra Kund

Brahma Kund, Vrindavan had been encroached
Sordid condition of Rudra Kund Dilapidated Jalmahal, Barsana

Poor state of Braj groves
Only 3 of 137 have survived

Gutter gushing out in Yamuna
Ancient Ghats encroached upon
Sewage all around banks
Drains flowing out in the river
The sordid state of Yamuna
10 million times more polluted than it’s tolerance limit

Devotees spend crores of rupees in
temples.
But they ignore the fact that the
transcendental pastimes of the
Divine Couple Sri Radha Krishna
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
 on the holy hills

Hills & Groves are the
real temples of Braj
na: purao janapda na ga`amaa gaRhavayama
ina%yaM vanaaOksatat vanaSaOlainavaaisana:
EaImadBaagavat 10.24.24
“The cities, the cultured
lands nor the villages their
houses are ours, we are the
forest people dear father,
we always live in the forests
and on the hills”.
Krishna to Nand Baba

Krishna - the primordial
environmentalist
Eating Mud - Earth Punishing Kaliya - Water Drinking forest fire - Fire
Killing Trinavarta - Air Killing Vyomasur - Space

Devotees of Krishna should follow
His footsteps and restore the
environment and cultural heritage
of Braj.

 Restoration of over 1000 Kunds,
 Revival of 137 forests,
 Protection and forestation of hills,
 Dredging & restoration of river Yamuna,
 Conservation of heritage buildings
 Promotion of organic farming
 Development of tourist infrastructure
An all round development of
Braj comprising of :

The Braj Foundation
Heritage, Community, Environment
Vision: To restore the
pristine glory and
grandeur of Braj as a
model rural society

Founders
Mr. Alfred Ford
Director
Ford Motor Foundation
Detroit, USA
Mr. Suresh Neotia
Chairman,
Gujarat Ambuja Cement,
Kolkata
Mr. Hrishikesh Mafatlal
CEO,
Arvind Mafatlal Group,
Mumbai
Mr. Kamal Morarka
Chairman, Gannon Dunkerley & Co.
Mumbai &
Ex Minister PM Office
Mr. Vineet Narain
Sr. Journalist
www.vineetnarain.net

Chairman, Vineet Narain, (www.vineetnarain.net), New Delhi – Vrindavan
Exe. Dir. (Tourism), Sanat Kaul, IAS (1971), Ex-CMD, Delhi Tourism Dev. Corp.
Exe. Dir. (HRD), Abhijit Gupta, B.Tech (IIT), M.Tech (USA), MD, Case New Holland
Const. Equip. India Ltd. Indore
Exe. Dir. (Corp. Affairs), Rajat Jain, IIT (D), IIM (A), MD Xerox India Ltd.
Exe. Dir. (Legal & Admin. Affairs), Rajneesh Kapur, New Delhi
Project Director, R K Gautam, B Tech. Civil, Vrindavan
Project Manager, Bipin Vyas & Bhupender Mathuria, Vrindavan
Project Coordinator, Gaurav K Gola, B. Sc. (Hons), MBA, New Delhi – Vrindavan
Architect, Shalini Dasgupta, M. Arch. (SPA), New Delhi
Landscape Designer, Shyam Singh, M. Arch. (SPA), Horticulturist
Executive Team

The Developmental Model
An all round integrated development of Braj comprising of :

Accomplishments so far….
1.Restoration of 46 Ancient Water Bodies in
different stages
2.Revival of 2 Groves, work on 4 more in progress
3.Protection of Hills & Regeneration of Green Cover
4.Master planning of Braj for UP Govt.
5.Restoration of 3 heritage buildings
6.Audio-visual documentation of Braj culture

7. Drinking water supply projects in some villages
8. Exhaustive scientific survey of Braj region
9. World-wide awareness campaign about the
plight of Braj
10.Nine grand Braj Mahotsavs in different parts of
the country
11.Special legislations for Braj protection

The Braj Foundation wins 2nd time the
best NGO award supported by UNESCO
for revival of water bodies
Distinguished Water NGO 2012-13Best Water NGO 2012-13
Best Water NGO 2010-11

The Braj Foundation’s
Kund Restoration Process
 Mobilizing the local community
 Necessary permission & go-ahead from District
Administration
 Survey of the Kund site
 Preparation of detailed restoration plan
 Pumping out the dirty water, if any
 De-silting of the Kund
 Repair/ construction of side walls, ghats
 Plantation
 Beautification

Professional Planning Approach
Step 1: Listing of Sites
Step 2: Satellite Imagery Analysis
Step 3: Revenue Map Analysis

Step 4: Physical Land Survey Step 5: Hydrological Plan
Step 6: Architectural Plans

Kunds of Braj are plotted on satellite map
by The Braj Foundation

More than 46 Kunds in different
stages of restoration
 Gomti Ganga, Kosi
 Pawan Sarovar, Nandgaon
 Vrishbhanu Kund, Barsana
 Dohini Kund, Chiksauli
 Sangam Kund, Khayara
 Vihval Kund, Sanket
 Nayan Sarovar, Seu
 Chandrasarovar, Chaumuha
 Kamdev Kund, Hatana
 Padma Kund, Kumudvan
 Gaya Kund, Kaman
 Roop Kund, Barsana
 Jai Kund, Jait
 Mohan Kund, Vanchari
 Gadbadri Kund
 Vimal Kund, Kaman
 Madhuvan Kund
 Lohvan Kund, Lohvan
 2 Kunds at Kamai
 Ratna Kund, Dabhaala
 Garud Govind Kund,
Chhatikara
 Radha Sarovar, Manpur
 Mansa Kund, Pasauli
 Govind Kund, Vrindavan
 Madhuri Kund
 Brahm Kund, Chaumuha
 Vihar Kund, Chiksauli
 Brahm Kund, Vrindavan
 Ratnakar Kund, Kosi
 Ramtal, Sunrakh
 Rudra Kund, Jatipura
 Jawahar Kund, Sakitara
 Suraj Kund, Julhendi ………

Gomati Ganga, Kosi
Financial support by Dr. Ramjilal Shastri & citizens of Kosi
Before
After
Total Expenditure Incurred: Rs 40 lakhs

Shiv Taal, Mathura
During restoration
After restoration

Restoration work at Mohan Kund
Vanchari (Hodal, Haryana)

Restoration work at Roop Kund,
Barsana

Anjani Kund, Bhulvana,
Haryana
Before
After

Jalmahal,Vrishbhanu Kund,
Barsana Before restoration

Vrishbhanu Kund, Barsana
Before
Financial support by
Shri Rajeev Shukla, Shri B P Singhal, Shri Balbir Punj (Members of Rajya Sabha)
& Mafatlal family,
After
Total Expenditure incurred: Rs 35 lakhs

Organizing Festivals at restored
Kund sites
Barsana Mahotsava 2006 Barsana Mahotsava 2007
Sharad Mahotsava 2006 Barsana Mahotsava 2007

Before
Desilting: 2,360 cum
Govind Kund,
Vrindavan
After

Jai Kund, Jait
Before restoration
During restoration

Desilting: 25,500 cum
Jai Kund, Jait
After de-silting

Dohini Kund, Chiksoli
Financial support
Shri Kamal Morarka, Ex Minister PMO
Before

After Restoration
Dohini Kund, Chiksoli
Developed with the financial support
of Govt. of India

Before
Had become garbage dumping ground for 200 years

After restoration
Financial support
Shri Ajay Piramal, Mumbai

This Kund was turned
into a field
Chandra Sarovar, Chaumuha (NH-2)
Lord Brahma, appeared before Krishna and begged forgiveness

74
Chandra Sarovar restoration
work in progress

Development plan of Chandra Sarovar

Proposed bird eye view of Chandra
Sarovar

Krishna Sarovar, Baad (NH-2)
Lord Krishna bathed here with Balarama after killing Dhenukasur
and took rest under the banyan tree
This Kund was turned into a field

Krishna Sarovar restoration
work in progress

Development plan of Krishna Sarovar

Proposed bird eye view of Krishna Sarovar

Rudra Kund, Jatipura (Goverdhan)
Before
Work in progress

Restoration work in progress
Encroachments of Rudra Kund being removed

Foundation stone of Rudra Kund being laid

Development plan of Rudra Kund
Shadow of Rudra Yantra in kund water

Work in progress
De-silting in progress

Demolition of
unauthorised
constructions
at Rudra Kund

De-Watering
of stagnant
dirty water in
the Rudra
Kund

Historic well un-earthed after de-silting and the
same is being restored

De-silting at the Rudra Kund in full swing

Marking for the construction of ghats

Construction of Ghats at Rudra Kund

Construction of
nallah for
diversion of drain
water of Jatipura
village

Constructi
on of Ghats
at Rudra
Kund

Fixing of
Chain Link
fencing at
Rudra Kund

Construction
of Ghats at
Rudra Kund

Sankarshan Kund, Anyor, Goverdhan
Plight of the site

Inauguration of the Restoration

Temporary tank for collection
of village dirty water at the
corner of the kund
Diversion of village’s dirty water drain falling into
the kund

Chairman TBF, inspecting work
progress in Feb 2013
4 Kms long Kachcha Drain to carry out dirty water
of the kund

Sankarshan Kund, Anyor, Goverdhan
de-watering work in progress

Earth movers in action removing muddy silt
Thick layer of plastic (non
disposable waste) at the
base of kund

Foundation’s JCBs submerged 7 times in the
muddy bed. Heavy Duty Cranes were pressed
into action to pull them out
De-silting in progress

Media person and village leaders discussing the
encroachment issue in May 2013

Sankarshan Kund, Anyor,
Goverdhan
marking work in progress

Sankarshan Kund, Anyor,
Goverdhan
masonry work in progress

Kund’s Toe Wall construction work in progress

Villagers discussing the problem of
encroachment with the Chairman of
The Braj Foundation

7’x 5’ size Chain Link
Fencing Frames (286)
are being installed at
the boundary wall of the
kund to protect and
beautify the Kunds

Kund parapet wall section design

Proposed Development Plan of
Sankarshan Kund

Airavat Kund, Goverdhan
Foundation’s earthmovers removing siltBefore de-silting
Collecting garbage Splashing water after de-silting

Yashoda Kund, Nandgaon
Inauguration

Restoration
work in
progress

Architectural Drawing
Architecture & landscape drawing
Kund area = 4191.87 Sqm
Plantation area = 7838.00
Sqm
Parikamapath = 442.00 Sqm

Ram Taal, Sunrakh (Vrindavan)
Before De- silting During De- silting

2700 years old Kund emerges after digging
Shri Kamal Morarka, the donor
inspecting de-silting work
Ancient wall excavated Mediapersons visiting the site

Ram Taal, Vrindavan After De-silting
Rain water being filled
from catchment area

Foundation’s equipments in action
Donated by Mr. Kamal Morarka

Historic surveys done of
Braj region
Survey of over 2000 acres of
heritage sites completed, and
detailed technical survey of
over 400 ancient water bodies
completed, more ongoing.

The Braj Foundation is working for the
Restoration of groves

Survey of Groves
 The survey of the 48
prominent groves of Braj
has been completed by
The Braj Foundation
 The survey of remaining
89 groves of Braj is
being done by the
foundation.
 A task no official agency
has ever undertaken

The Braj Foundation
has identified and
located all the 137
sacred groves of 4
different categories in
Braj

Gahvarvan, Barsana
Before restoration
This has been the
condition of
protected forest of
UP Govt. before its
restoration

During restoration
Gahvarvan, Barsana

During restoration
Gahvarvan, Barsana
Pathway being laid

After restoration with the financial support of Indian Oil Corporation
Gahvarvan after revival

Restoration of Seva Kunj
Before restoration
During restoration

Restoration of Parikrama Path, Seva Kunj
VrindavanBefore restoration
During restoration
After restoration

Before restoration
During restoration
Restoration of Lalita Kund, Seva Kunj
After restoration

Restoration of Lalita Kund water fall, Seva Kunj
Before restoration
During
restoration
After restoration

Restoration of Lalita Kund Chatri
Before restoration
After restoration

Restoration of Seva Kunj, Vrindavan
Middle path before restoration
After restoration

Restoration of Seva Kunj
Mr. Ajay Piramal, Chairman Piramal
Group looking at Seva Kunj
restoration work

Exterior of the boundary wall being face lifted

Proposed bird eye view of Sevakunj

Heritage Buildings of Braj
Innumerable heritage buildings of Braj are in a
dilapidated condition and on the brink of
destruction due to decades of neglect and
blatant land grabbing. The Braj Foundation is
working towards systematically surveying,
documenting and restoring these structures.

Jal Mahal at Vrishbhanu Kund,
Barsana Restoration

Successfully restored Koile Ghat of
Yamuna from where Vasudev ji on the
night of Janmashtami took infant
Krishna across Yamuna to Gokul.
Yamuna started rising to touch the feet
of Krishna. Vasudev ji screamed for
help “Koi Le – Koi Le”. Someone hold
my child. Hence the ghat is known as
Koile Ghat. It was neglected for
centuries.
Koile Ghat of Yamuna

Restoration of Koile Ghat, Mathura
Inaugurated on 29th Sept 2009
by Mrs. Ranjana Kumar,
Member, CVC of India

The Braj Foundation’ crusade against
illegal mining in the heritage hills of Braj
The Braj Foundation got done the
satellite study of the entire Braj region
by experts of IIT Roorkee & NRSA
Hyderabad.

Mass mobilization of Brajwasis to
save Braj Hills

After a prolonged
struggle of five years,
Braj Foundation finally
succeeded in getting the
72 sq Km area of Braj
hills declared as protected
forest by the Rajasthan
Govt.
Hills of Braj got declared as
reserve forests

Satellite mapping of the heritage sites
situated on the Hills of Braj

Ratnagiri Hill Restoration
financial support by UNDP

The Costs Involved
The estimated cost for
the development of 1
acre of hilly terrain
into a green pasture
comes out to be
around Rs 1,00,000

Economics of Hill Restoration
 The foundation’s study reveals
that 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 1Lakh
per acre these hills can be
developed into pasture lands
 With an investment of Rs 180
crores, out of which the majority
of the amount would be spent on
human labor, the fodder worth 19
crore will be produced annually

Braj Foundation in association with Illinois
University (USA) did an exhaustive study of
Goverdhan hill and is now pursuing the
UNESCO to declare it as World Heritage
Site.
Goverdhan development

Traffic Management
Vision:
To develop a corridor by optimising connectivity
(pedestrian and vehicular) capitalising on
transportation/mobility options and rationalising
parking with the high load of pilgrims on festival
days.
Problem identification:
• Vehicular road over giriraj ji not justified
• heavy congestion of traffic
• Same road for parikrama and vehicular movement
leading to chaos and accidents.
• Lack of designated parking facilities
• Air pollution
• noise and environmental hazards.
Planning strategies:
• Designated parking facilities on major roads leading
to giriraj ji.
• Develop a peripheral rail network around giriraj ji.
• Reducing vehicular load on parikrama path.
• Realignment of road network so that there is no
vehicular movement over giriraj ji.
• Defined parikrama path with civic facilities.

Road re-alignment
VEHICULAR ROAD
PARIKRAMA PATH
PROPOSED
CONNECTING ROAD

Parikrama Path
Present Condition
Proposed

Charanamrit Kund
Open Drain Near Charanamrit Kund
Developmental Plan
Section
Present Condition

Proposed development plan of Charanamrit Kund

Tackling the drinking water crisis in Braj
85 % of the ground water in Braj is saline. Unfortunately
the salinity starts from the upper layer of water table
TBF’s Drinking water supply Project
Chiksauli & Manpur villages (Barsana)
Financial support by IOCL & OIDB

Villagers enjoying the safe drinking water
after 60 years of independence

Creating world-wide awareness
about Braj Culture

A presentation to the Chief Election Commissioner of India,
Chief Vigilance Commissioner, Secretary General Rajya Sabha & other senior
officials at New Delhi
Organizing cultural evenings showcasing
the Braj Culture

Successfully organized
Nine high profile Braj
Mahotsavs across India
for building awareness
and promoting culture
of Braj.
Braj Maahotsav

Braj Maahotsav
H.E. Mr. Narsimhan,
Governor of Andhra Pradesh
inaugurating
Braj Mahotsav, Hyderabad -2011
Folk Artists from Braj performing
Raas Lila in Braj Mahotsav
Hyderabad -2011

Braj Maahotsav
Folk Artists from Braj
performing Flower Holi Lila
Braj Mahotsav (Hyderabad -2011)
Kawwals performing Krishna Bhajans
composed by Muslim devotees,
Braj Mahotsav (Hyderabad -2011)

Presentation to Cabinet Ministers
Mr. Kapil Sibal Mrs. Ambika Soni
Mr. C. P. Joshi Mr. Salman Khurshid

Presentation to Political leaders
Mr. Narendra Modi Mrs. Sushma Swaraj
Mr. L K Advani & others Mr. Rajnath Singh & others

Meeting with C.M. Akhilesh Yadav U.P.

Foreign diplomats watching PPT in TBF’s office
Mr. S. Shimamori, Cultural Attaché of
Japan
Dr. Benedictt Alliott, Cultural Attaché of
France
Ms. Vyantimala, Deputy Head of Mission,
Republic of Surinam
Mr. Carl G Svensson, Counsellor (Head),
Development Coorperation Section,
Embassy of Sweden

A presentation at Raj Bhawan, Bangalore

Mobilizing the local community
Prabhat pheris have started off in
over 780 villages out of 1300. The
remaining villages are being
covered.
Volunteers of
the foundation
managing
public events.

Produced several films and serials depicting
Braj culture by training rural youth.
These programmes have been aired on DD I & other channels

Master Planning of Braj
TBF is now inspiring the
governments of Haryana
& Rajasthan for the
same.
To conserve precious
heritage & ensure
planned development,
TBF inspired UP Govt. to
prepare a Master Plan
for Braj in 2008.

TBF prepares
Tourism Master Plan of Braj
Approved by the Govt. of
UP, deeply appreciated
by Secretary Planning
Commission of India &
other top experts of the
country
UP Govt. has started
implementing TBF’s
recommendations for
the Rs. 2000 Cr
Master Plan!

Integrated Development of Braj

The Braj Foundation’s Delhi office
C-6/28 SDA, Hauz Khas, New Delhi - 110016
Tel: (011)-26566800 & 26519080

The Braj Foundation’s Vrindavan Office
303, Keshav Kunj, Raman Reti, Vrindavan-281124
Tel: (0565)-2540084 & 9927337111

Braj Foundation’s workshop at Vrindavan

Sri Ramesh Baba ji
of Gahvarvan, Barsana
the most beloved
saint of Brajwasis,
who never leaves Braj,
accepts no disciples,
shuns opulence &
composes and sings
classical & folk bhajans
Our Inspiration

How can you support us?
Please forward our website
to all those who may appreciate our work.
Please donate generously through
cheque/DD in favor of
The Braj Foundation
payable at New Delhi.

Please write to us if you would like to volunteer
your time or skills for the Braj cause at
The Braj Foundation
C 6/28, Safdarjung Development Area
Hauz Khas, New Delhi – 110016
Ph: 011- 26566800,
Email: info@brajfoundation.org
Website: www.brajfoundation.org

Thanks for your kind attention

Shri Krsna

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