Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad (UPBTVP) recently signed an MoU with the Heartfulness Institute.The partnership will focus on rejuvenating sacred water bodies and forests, promoting environmental awareness, yoga and meditation, and undertaking community development and youth engagement programmes across the Braj region.Officials said the collaboration will support the ongoing Vraj Vaibhav Abhiyan, under which at least 10 historic kunds, including Govind Kund, Gandharv Kund and Surabhi Kund, are being restored.The initiative also includes bioremediation of polluted water bodies, conservation of ghats, afforestation using native species and restoration of ancient forests.Among the major projects is the development of a 7km eco-friendly Inner Parikrama Path in Govardhan with separate lanes for pedestrians and pilgrims performing the traditional dandavat parikrama.Plans also include an eight-acre nursery at Sunrakh in Vrindavan to raise indigenous plant species and afforestation over 60 hectares around Govardhan Hill using an advanced irrigation system.UPBTVP vice-chairperson Shailja Kant Misra said the collaboration would strengthen efforts to preserve Braj’s sacred heritage while promoting environmental conservation.The two organisations will jointly identify and implement future projects with support from technical experts, CSR partners, academic institutions and other stakeholders, with individual projects to be taken up under separate funding arrangements.UPBTVP CEO Lakshmi Nagappan said, “Through this collaboration, we look forward to translating shared intent into visible, community-level outcomes that strengthen Braj’s environment, public engagement, and cultural vitality.”
