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Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
UP CM adviser holds talks with Goswami community over Banke Bihari Corridor
Agra: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath's adviser Awanish Kumar Awasthi on Friday, chaired a meeting at the tourist facilitation centre in Vrindavan, to discuss issues related to the proposed Banke Bihari Corridor with members of the Goswami community involved in the management of the temple, local shopkeepers and residents. Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Awasthi said the proposed project aims to enhance facilities for pilgrims, and efficiently manage the increasing pilgrim footfall in the Mathura-Vrindavan area. "The number of pilgrims visiting the area is rising exponentially. Today's meeting focused on how to effectively cater to this surge while ensuring public confidence and participation in the planning process. This was the first round of discussions, and it was very productive," he said. On concerns raised by the Goswami community regarding the project, Awasthi said several suggestions had been put forth during the meeting. "The district magistrate and other officials will carefully evaluate these inputs. The state govt aims to proceed with the most inclusive and best possible option to take the project forward," Awasthi said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Established in 1862 in the heart of Vrindavan, the Shri Banke Bihari temple is administered by Shebaits — a hereditary priesthood responsible for daily rituals and temple management. It remains one of North India's most visited pilgrimage sites. The Supreme Court's May 15 verdict came amid ongoing protests by members of the Goswami community and local residents, who have opposed both the corridor project and the formation of Banke Bihari Temple Trust. The court's decision, delivered by a bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and SC Sharma, cleared the way for the govt to move ahead with its Rs 500 crore redevelopment plan, which includes acquiring nearly five acres of land near the shrine, using temple funds. Calls for redevelopment intensified after a stampede-like incident during Janmashtami celebrations in 2022, left two dead. In Sept 2023, the Allahabad high court directed the state govt to implement a corridor plan for improved crowd management and safety. While officials claim stakeholders were consulted, Shebaits and local residents have alleged they were excluded from the planning process. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Hema Malini backs Banke Bihari Corridor, says ‘everyone, including Goswamis, will benefit'
Agra: Mathura BJP MP Hema Malini has welcomed the Supreme Court's (SC) order permitting the construction of the Banke Bihari Corridor in Vrindavan, saying, "The decision is timely and necessary, as the increasing number of devotees visiting the temple has led to challenges in managing darshan. " She added, "The number of devotees is growing day by day, and in such circumstances, we keep hearing distressing news. The SC's decision is a welcome step." Regarding concerns raised by the Goswami community, the MP said the project would benefit all stakeholders. "Everyone will benefit from this... Our govt works keeping everyone in mind. The Goswami community, who perform puja and maintain the temple, will also benefit," she said. Established in 1862 in the heart of Vrindavan, the Shri Banke Bihari temple is administered by Shebaits — a hereditary priesthood responsible for daily rituals and temple management. It remains one of North India's most visited pilgrimage sites. The top court's May 15 verdict came amid ongoing protests by members of the Goswami community and local residents, who have opposed both the corridor project and the formation of Banke Bihari Temple Trust. The court's decision, delivered by a bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and SC Sharma, cleared the way for the govt to move ahead with its Rs 500 crore redevelopment plan, which includes acquiring nearly five acres of land near the shrine, using temple funds. Calls for redevelopment intensified after a stampede-like incident during Janmashtami celebrations in 2022, which left two dead. In Sept 2023, the Allahabad high court directed the state govt to implement a corridor plan for improved crowd management and safety. While officials claim stakeholders were consulted, Shebaits and local residents have alleged they were excluded from the planning process.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Banke Bihari temple priests threaten to 'relocate Thakurji' over corridor redevelopment plan
AGRA: Priests of the centuries-old Banke Bihari temple in Mathura, who are opposed to the proposed 'redevelopment plan for the Banke Bihari corridor in Vrindavan', alleged on Monday, that if govt does not heed their concerns, they will relocate the Banke Bihari deity to another site. The latest development came after a series of protests by the Goswami community members and locals against the proposed corridor and the creation of the Banke Bihari temple trust by the state govt. Ghanshyam Goswami, 60, a member of the management committee, said, "The problem is that the govt wants to turn this place of faith into a picnic spot. The Banke Bihari Trust was formed without consulting us. We're open to suggestions for improving the management of the temple but if this situation continues, we'll not hesitate to move Thakurji out of the temple. This temple was founded by our forefathers, and the customs and traditions here date back to the 19th century. " The Supreme Court, in its May 15 verdict, permitted the UP govt to continue with the 'Rs 500 cr redevelopment plan for the Shri Banke Bihari temple corridor in Vrindavan'. The project, approved by the bench of Justice Bela M Trivedi and Justice SC Sharma, enables the state to utilise temple funds to acquire about 5 acres of land near the shrine. Calls for redevelopment intensified after a stampede-like incident took place during the Janmashtami celebrations in 2022, which resulted in two fatalities. In Sept 2023, Allahabad high court directed the state govt to implement a corridor plan to manage crowds and ensure safety. Although the state said it engaged with all stakeholders, Shebaits and local residents have claimed they were excluded from discussions. On Monday, Agra's divisional commissioner Shailendra Kumar Singh, Mathura DM Chandra Prakesh Singh, Agra range DIG Shailesh Kumar Pandey and additional officials held a meeting with the stakeholders to seek a resolution. Shailendra Kumar Singh said, "The proposed corridor has been cleared by the SC. The locals have raised some issues, and we have reached out to them. In the issues related to the temple, we ensured that no change will be there to the customs and traditions of the temple. Shopkeepers had doubts related to compensation, and we cleared them. The streets in and around the temple are narrow and unsuitable for the influx of people who visit the temple daily, so this corridor will be beneficial for all the stakeholders. "
NDTV
27-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"If States Start Entering Private Disputes...": Top Court To UP In Banke Bihari Temple Case
The Supreme Court on Tuesday questioned the Uttar Pradesh government for "hijacking" the litigation between two private parties in a plea pertaining to the management of the famous Shri Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan. A bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma said if the state government starts entering into a private dispute between parties it will result in breakdown of rule of law. "Was a state a party to the proceedings? In what capacity has the state entered the dispute? If states start entering into a private dispute between parties, there will be a total breakdown of law. You can't hijack the litigation. In a private litigation between two parties, state filing an impleadment application and hijacking it is not permissible," the bench observed. The top court was hearing a plea seeking the modification of its order approving the Uttar Pradesh government's proposed redevelopment scheme for the Banke Bihari temple using temple funds Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for petitioner Devendra Nath Goswami - who said he belonged to the Raj Bhog branch of the Shebaits and claimed direct descent from Swami Sri Hari Das Ji Goswami, the temple's 16th century founder - submitted that fund of Rs 300 crore has been given to the Uttar Pradesh government without making us the party. "How can you by an order in another petition direct that earning of a private temple be handed over to the state," Mr Sibal asked. The counsel appearing for the UP government informed the top court that the state has formed a trust to manage the temple and oversee work on the proposed corridor. Entire money would rest with the trust, not with the government by virtue of the enactment, said the UP government's lawyer. "People have died in temple," said the UP government lawyer, spotlighting the pinched streets around the temple and underlining that building a corridor is essential. The top court directed the counsel for the state government to give a copy of the ordinance passed with regard to the trust to the petitioner and directed the concerned principal secretary to file an affidavit by July 29. Built in 1862, the Banke Bihari temple is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in northern India. It is managed by Shebaits, a hereditary priesthood that oversees daily rituals and temple administration. The demand for redevelopment arose after a stampede-like incident occurred during Janmashtami celebrations in 2022, resulting in two deaths. In September 2023, the Allahabad High Court directed the UP government to develop a corridor plan to manage crowd pressure and ensure safety. Earlier this month, on May 15, the top court paved the way for the state government's scheme to develop the temple corridor for the benefit of scores of devotees. It then allowed the state government's plea to utilise the temple funds only for the purchase of 5-acre land around the temple to create a holding area. On May 19, petitioner Goswami said unchecked development could "irreversibly" alter the religious and cultural fabric of the "temple precinct".
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Banke Bihari temple panel opposes corridor clearance, SC to hear plea
1 2 Agra: Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition challenging its May 15 verdict that allowed Uttar Pradesh govt to go ahead with a Rs 500 crore redevelopment plan for the Shri Banke Bihari temple corridor in Vrindavan. The review petition, filed by a member of the temple management, said the decision was made without consulting stakeholders and risked damaging the temple's sacred character. Devendra Nath Goswami, a senior temple administrator, filed the petition on May 19. An SC bench of chief justice B R Gavai and justice Augustine George Masih took up the matter on May 20. They said, "We will list it," indicating that the case will be heard in detail. Senior advocate Ashutosh Jha appeared for Goswami. The Banke Bihari temple, built in 1862 in the heart of Vrindavan, is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in northern India. It is managed by Shebaits, a hereditary priesthood that oversees daily rituals and temple administration. Goswami told the court that he was not given a chance to be heard before SC passed its May 15 ruling. "I was not even informed, let alone consulted," he said. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo "This is a violation of the religious and administrative traditions that have guided this temple for centuries." Goswami said he belonged to the Raj Bhog branch of the Shebaits and claimed direct descent from Swami Sri Hari Das Ji Goswami, the temple's 16th-century founder. "My family has been looking after this temple for more than 500 years," he said. The redevelopment plan, approved by a bench of Justice Bela M Trivedi and Justice S C Sharma, allows the state to use temple funds to acquire around five acres of land near the shrine. This land is to be registered in the name of the temple trust or deity and used for public amenities such as parking, toilets, accommodation and security posts. Uttar Pradesh govt said the project was necessary to reduce congestion and improve infrastructure for pilgrims. The petition, however, asked SC to reconsider parts of the ruling that permitted the use of temple funds and allowed construction without stakeholder consent. Goswami requested a stay on activities such as land acquisition, demolition or new construction until a transparent process is ensured. "We are not against development, but it must respect the sanctity and character of the temple," he said. The review plea called for the formation of a heritage and stakeholder consultation committee to oversee any future plans. Goswami said unchecked development could "irreversibly alter the religious and cultural fabric of the temple precinct". The demand for redevelopment arose after a stampede-like incident occurred during Janmashtami celebrations in 2022, resulting in two deaths. In Sept 2023, Allahabad high court directed Uttar Pradesh govt to develop a corridor plan to manage crowd pressure and ensure safety. While the state said it engaged with stakeholders, Shebaits and local residents claimed they were excluded from meaningful consultations. Following the May 15 order, several residents and heritage activists in Mathura expressed concerns that the corridor project could disrupt Vrindavan's spiritual atmosphere and erode its historical architecture. TOI contacted Goswami for comment, but he declined, saying, "The matter is sub-judice before the court."
