Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday instructed officials to enhance services for devotees and tourists in Mathura-Vrindavan. He said that everyone’s safety, whether they are local residents, tourists or devotees, is the responsibility of the government and must be prioritised.
The chief minister, who was in Mathura on the occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, discussed the safety of devotees and other tourists in a review meeting with local public representative and administrative officials on Monday, and said that the development of the entire municipal corporation area as a ‘Safe City’ should be expedited.
The CM added: “Ensure everyone’s faith is respected. Security should be increased on the ‘parikrama’ route and highways with increased patrolling of bikes and PRVs.”
The chief minister also called for enhancing the Integrated Traffic Management System with the installation of additional CCTV cameras and ensuring continuous police presence in sensitive and crowded areas.
Stressing the need to enhance civic amenities in the Braj region, the chief minister directed the officials to ensure that the roads were unbroken and free of potholes.
He called for special attention to this issue, ensuring that the damaged roads are promptly repaired.
Additionally, he directed that roads affected by ongoing works under the Jal Jeevan Mission or Amrit Yojana be repaired as quickly as possible.
Furthermore, the CM instructed the officials to maintain cleanliness on the ‘Parikrama Marg’ and repair roads connected to it.
Yogi instructed that door-to-door garbage collection be made more effective, highlighting the importance of public participation through mohalla committees for maintaining cleanliness.
He also directed the deployment of additional manpower for cleanliness in the Mathura-Vrindavan area and urged that garbage management efforts be enhanced, drawing inspiration from the Prayagraj Kumbh model.
The chief minister instructed that street lighting and decorations in Mathura be improved.
He recommended installing solar-powered street lights on major routes and key areas.
Additionally, he called for the organisation of street vendors and the creation of designated vending zones.
He also directed the officials to make arrangements for piped drinking water facilities for the convenience of devotees.
The CM instructed the Braj Tirtha Vikas Parishad, municipal corporation, police, and development authority to enhance parking facilities.
“Develop additional multi-level parking facilities and establish commercial complexes within these parking areas, incorporating retail shops. Engage with the community to lease these shops, as this will not only generate revenue but also help alleviate traffic congestion,” he stated.
Highlighting the need for improved facilities, the chief minister noted that the number of devotees visiting the Mathura-Vrindavan area from both within the country and abroad is steadily increasing each year.
He stressed the importance of enhancing all amenities to ensure that devotees leave with a pleasant experience.
Additionally, the chief minister called for the creation of multi-level parking and commercial spaces within the corridor.
Yogi stated that the state has vast potential for religious tourism, with key centres like Ayodhya, Mathura-Vrindavan, Kashi, and Prayagraj.
Over the past seven years, these areas have undergone significant transformation, leading to an unprecedented increase in tourist footfall, he added, pointing out that the surge in visitors is set to boost the local economy.
“With the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh scheduled for next year, millions are expected to attend, including visitors to Mathura-Vrindavan. In this context, it is crucial to ensure top-notch services for the devotees”, he stated.
Regarding the Sri Banke Bihari Temple Corridor, the chief minister stated that discussions would take place with all relevant stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Yogi unveiled the statue of Rashtraveer Durgadas Rathore. Addressing a public gathering at the Taj Mahal Metro Station, he emphasised the paramount importance of national unity. “Nothing is greater than the nation,” he stated.
He added, “Our strength lies in our unity. If we allow ourselves to be divided, we will fall. The situation in Bangladesh serves as a warning—those mistakes must not be repeated here. We must stay united, uphold our noble values, ensure our safety, and strive for the pinnacle of prosperity."
“On August 9, 1925, revolutionaries like Pt Ram Prasad Bismil, Thakur Roshan Singh, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Chandrashekhar Azad boldly challenged British rule with the train action. Though the revolutionaries secured only Rs 4,600, the British spent a staggering Rs 10 lakh to arrest and punish them. Yet, the fight for India’s independence remained unshaken. These great sons of Mother India, with their enduring spirit, continued their relentless efforts to undermine foreign rule,” he stated.
Yogi also touched upon historical connections, stating, “We know our history. Aurangzeb had ties to this very Agra, where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great hero of the Hindavi Swarajya, defied his power. Shivaji boldly declared that Aurangzeb would struggle like a rat but would never conquer Hindustan. Maharaja Jaswant Singh led the resistance in Rajasthan, with Rashtraveer Durgadas Rathore as his key commander. Despite Aurangzeb’s repeated attempts, he couldn’t conquer this land. How could any foreign invader succeed where brave nationalists like Rashtraveer Durgadas Rathore stood firm? But Aurangzeb, being wicked and cunning, resorted to deceit. He made a treaty with Maharaja Dashrath Singh, promising no harm to Jodhpur, and lured him by claiming that Afghans were about to invade India. Through trickery, he captured and killed him.”
Extending his greetings to the people of Agra on Shri Krishna Janmashtami, the CM remarked, “Lord Krishna resides in every speck of Agra’s soil. This city is a beacon of art, trust, faith, and dedication. Let this trust, faith, and rich cultural heritage flourish with national pride.”
