Vrindavan: A major redevelopment project near the deeply revered Bankey Bihari Temple in Vrindavan has triggered public outrage as construction begins on a proposed ₹500 crore corridor aimed at easing pilgrim traffic. While the state government and local authorities argue the corridor is vital for crowd management and safety, hundreds of families and priests are protesting over displacement and other reasons.
The project, greenlit by the Supreme Court in May, will be overseen by a newly formed trust and funded in part by temple donations. It includes acquiring five acres of land around the temple that is currently home to about 275 families and 200 shopkeepers.
Residents argue that their relocation strips them of their daily spiritual and economic connection to the temple. “A house 7 km away is not home,” said one longtime resident, Radha Mishra.
According to the Indian Express, Temple priests are opposed to the government accessing the funds, seeing it as an erosion of their traditional authority over the running the religious place.
Meanwhile, Mathura MP and BJP leader Hema Malini has triggered controversy as she advocates for the project citing safety concerns and the need for better infrastructure. An old video of her has also resurfaced wherein she allegedly said that those opposing the corridor “may have to leave Vrindavan.”
“The video was shot before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The misinformation is deliberately spread among the masses to create differences”, Malini told PTI. She further said that the interests of all stakeholders will be preserved.
However, her comments sparked fierce backlash from temple priests and even members of her own party. “Lord Krishna humbled Indra’s pride-Hema ji should remember that before telling us to leave Brijbhoomi” said Gyanendra Kishor Goswami, a prominent priest. Former BJP district president Madhu Sharma also criticized her.
Despite assurances that the corridor will improve safety and tourist infrastructure, locals remain unconvinced. For many, the issue goes beyond development and it’s about preserving the spiritual and cultural soul of Vrindavan.
(Curated By Niswarth)