Agra, Aug 13 : A new bridge being constructed in Vrindavan has come in for criticism from local environmental activists, who term it a threat to Kesri Ghat – the only remaining ghat in Vrindavan. They also contend it will obscure the magnificent panoramic view of the Yamuna river and affect its flow.
‘Kesri Ghat, which happens to be the last ghat of Vrindavan from where river Yamuna flows through, is being endangered,’ said Sri Vatsa Goswami of Friends of Vrindavan.
Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority’s plan to link the disconnected portions of Vrindavan Parikrama Marg (circumference road) by constructing a bridge across the Yamuna would seriously affect the river’s flow along Vrindavan’s banks, local residents claim.
They also say the livelihood of hundreds of boatmen will be endangered as the free passage of boats across the Yamuna would get hindered. Kesri Ghat, constructed by Rani Laxmi of Bharatpur, remains the only boating spot in Vrindavan.
‘They are destroying nature and culture. Ordinary folks in Vrindavan have no voice while the ‘developmentalists’ are out to murder a rich heritage,’ environmentalist Swami Sewak Sharan said.
However, the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority Vice Chairman R.K. Singh denied the charges and claimed these had been raised by people who do not understand development or environment.
‘They are just obstructing. We have got proper studies done. The Kesri Ghat was any way crumbling. The bridge is a little distance away from the ghat. Pointless controversies are being raised,’ he added.
PWD Chief Engineer C.D. Rai told IANS that it was only ‘vested land owning interests’ who were raising the objections.
‘The bridge on the river does not affect environment in any manner, nor does it obstruct the flow of the river. We will later take up the renovation of the Kesri Ghat,’ he said.
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