Vrindavan, Barsana declared pilgrimage sites, no more alcohol, meat stores
The UP government has declared Vrindavan and Barsana "teerth sthal" (pilgrimage site), the first places to be notified so in government records, said Principal Secretary (Religious Affairs) Avinish Awasthi. Consequently, liquor and meat shops would no longer be allowed. The government has asked relevant departments- urban development, food and drug administration, excise, home and general administration- to take necessary steps within three months.
Statement from the UP government
Why this decision?
"Vrindavan is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and Balram and is a world famous site. Barsana is Radha's birthplace. Lakhs of tourists visit these places. Keeping in mind their importance and in view of tourism, these are declared as holy pilgrimage places," said a statement.
The move comes right before local body polls
Incidentally, this comes ahead of three-phased local body polls starting November 22. Voting will be held on November 22, 26 and 29, said UP Election Commissioner SK Agarwal. Sixteen nagar nigams, 198 nagar palika parishads and 438 nagar panchayats will go to polls. A total of 3.32cr voters would cast their ballots. Counting of votes is scheduled for December 1.
The state government has more works planned for the towns
The government has further plans: both towns will be developed for religious tourism. Barsana will be declared a town municipality and a rope-way would be constructed after the upcoming elections. Plans are also on to renovate old temples in both towns. The Centre has already sanctioned Rs. 350cr for sewage development in Barsana and Vrindavan. Both of them fall in Mathura district.
