Ancient water bodies in Brajbhoomi are an attraction this Janmashtami thanks to activist citizens

Scorching heat, speedily declining water tables and parched land have caused unimaginable misery to the common man in several parts of the country, Brajbhoomi  (Mathura-Vrindavan belt) being one of them. Irrational water management policies of previous decades and a criminal apathy towards the traditional water management system of kunds, pushkarnis or ancient water bodies, which sustained us for a millennium, have been the root cause of today’s water crisis. There were more than 1,000 kunds, which were sources of fresh water in Brajbhoomi during earlier times. The water had been used for multiple purposes such as irrigation, domestic use, drinking purpose, for cattle and bathing. Due to rapid urbanisation, lack of maintenance and prolonged negligence in the last 200 years, 80 per cent  of the kunds silted up and were relegated on the verge of extinction.

The problem has no easy or short-term solution but some activists are at it to restore the aura of Krishnabhoomi. Way back in 2002, well-known anti-corruption crusader Vineet Narain changed the course of his life by shifting his focus on reviving ancient water bodies in  and around Mathura. The kunds or sarovars have a significance that goes beyond both the social and the spiritual. These historic water bodies were in a pathetic condition, with heaps of garbage, encroachments and without a drop of water. Despite their religious significance for millions of Krishna devotees world over, no one took made any attempt to change that. Supported by a Mumbai philanthropist, Kamal Morarka, Narain established The Braj Foundation to restore the environmental and cultural heritage of Braj.

In 2003 the foundation started professional surveys of hundreds of ancient water bodies connected to lord Krishna’s time and found out that a majority of them was in a pitiable condition. Young IITians identified and systematically documented more than 400 forgotten kunds, including the historical ones. The survey included identification of their geographical location and mapping them on the satellite map with GPS, their measurement, their revenue records, their cultural history, their photographs and evaluation of the requirement for their restoration.

After the survey was completed the in-house team of architects, civil engineers, graphic designers, landscape designers and artists prepared their development plans. Once these plans were prepared, the foundation explored the possibility of arranging sponsorship for their restoration. “It is a slow process; considering the size of the team it takes us one to three years to complete one project,” says Narain.

Once the sites were identified and marked, earth-movers dug them till the water level was reached. The silt thus excavated was used for landscaping the surroundings of the kund. Each pond is transcendental in nature because it has a history of thousands of years. locals believe their water has curative value as well and are, therefore, revered by Brajwasis and saints. Hence, the  revival of their cultural significance is also essential for their long-term survival. Only then will the local community ensure their protection.

There are two aspects of kund revival work — Desilting and ghat repairs to ensure sufficient water retention and beautification. The latter involves landscape development, leela display through sculptures, shilalekh for depicting the history, irrigation facility for trees and  gardens and basic infrastructure for  caretakers and pilgrims.

Once the funds are arranged, the restoration of the kunds is undertaken. The average cost of restoration of a kund varies between Rs 10 lakh to Rs  4 crore, depending upon the plight and size of the kund and the quality of beautification one wants to do. Funds are mobilised through corporate support, private donors and MPlAD funds for this purpose.

“The foundation has so far revived over 50 kunds and hence it has created an additional water retention capacity of 5 lakh cubic metres,” says Rajneesh Kapur, secretary, Braj Foundation. The work is still ongoing and the target is to restore all 800 water bodies in Braj.

Due to limited funds, revival of kunds is prioritised on the basis of viability and historic significance.