Braj Development Inception Report 26-05-2019 Final Revised

Braj Development Plan for Braj Region of Uttar Pradesh - Inception Report (May 2019)
INCEPTION REPORT
May 2019
PREPARATION OF BRAJ DEVELOPMENT PLAN
FOR BRAJ REGION UTTAR PRADESH
Prepared for:
Uttar Pradesh Braj Tirth Vikas Parishad, Uttar Pradesh
Prepared By:
Design Associates Inc.
EcoUrbs Consultants PVT. LTD
Design Associates Inc.| Ecourbs Consultants| Page | 1

DISCLAIMER
This document has been prepared by Design Associates Inc. and Ecourbs Consultants for the internal
consumption and use of Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad and related government bodies and
for discussion with internal and external audiences. This document has been prepared based on public
domain sources, secondary & primary research, stakeholder interactions and internal database of the
Consultants.
It is, however, to be noted that this report has been prepared by Consultants in best faith, with
assumptions and estimates considered to be appropriate and reasonable but cannot be guaranteed.
There might be inadvertent omissions/errors/aberrations owing to situations and conditions out of
the control of the Consultants. Further, the report has been prepared on a best-effort basis, based on
inputs considered appropriate as of the mentioned date of the report. Consultants do not take any
responsibility for the correctness of the data, analysis & recommendations made in the report.
Neither this document nor any of its contents can be used for any purpose other than stated above,
without the prior written consent from Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishadand the Consultants.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISCLAIMER .......................................................................................................................................... 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................ 3
LIST OF TABLES...................................................................................................................................... 6
LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................................... 7
1 PROJECT BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................ 9
1.1 Aim ............................................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.2 Objectives .................................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.3 Approach for Planning ............................................................................................................................................... 10
1.4 Scope of Work............................................................................................................................................................ 11
1.5 Methodology ............................................................................................................................................................. 12
1.5.1 Stage 1: Existing Situation Assessment........................................................................................................... 13
1.5.2 Stage 2: Vision and Strategy Formulation ...................................................................................................... 18
1.5.3 Stage 3: Spatial Strategy and Preliminary Plan .............................................................................................. 19
1.5.4 Stage 4: Draft Regional Development Plan & Report .................................................................................... 20
1.5.5 Stage 5: Assistance to UTBTVP in notification & finalization of Regional Development Plan...................... 21
1.6 Summary .................................................................................................................................................................... 21
2 STUDY AREA PROFILE .................................................................................................................. 22

2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................... 22
2.1.1 About State- Uttar Pradesh ............................................................................................................................. 22
2.1.2 About Mathura District ................................................................................................................................... 22
2.1.3 BRAJ Planning Area .......................................................................................................................................... 23
2.1.4 Administrative Structure: ................................................................................................................................ 24
2.2 Regional Setting, Location and Connectivity ............................................................................................................ 25
2.3 Brief History of BRAJ Region ..................................................................................................................................... 29
2.4 Summary .................................................................................................................................................................... 31
3 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF BRAJ REGION .................................................................................. 32

3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................... 32
3.2 Existing population & Distribution ............................................................................................................................ 32
3.3 Level of Urbanisation................................................................................................................................................. 32
3.4 Population Density .................................................................................................................................................... 33
3.5 Population Growth .................................................................................................................................................... 34
3.6 Floating population ................................................................................................................................................... 35
3.7 Sex-Ratio .................................................................................................................................................................... 35
3.8 Literacy rate ............................................................................................................................................................... 36
3.9 Workforce participation ............................................................................................................................................ 36
3.10 Household characteristics ......................................................................................................................................... 37
3.11 Summary .................................................................................................................................................................... 37

4 ECONOMIC PROFILE OF BRAJ REGION ........................................................................................ 38

4.1 Primary Activities ....................................................................................................................................................... 39
4.2 Secondary Activities .................................................................................................................................................. 40
4.3 Tertiary Activities ....................................................................................................................................................... 41
4.4 Summary .................................................................................................................................................................... 41
5 PILGRIMAGE & TOURISM SECTOR............................................................................................... 43

5.1 Significance of Tourism in BRAJ Region .................................................................................................................... 43
5.2 Tourist Footfall........................................................................................................................................................... 44
5.3 Tourism Circuits ......................................................................................................................................................... 44
5.4 Significant Tourist Sites in Braj Region ..................................................................................................................... 45
5.4.1 Mathura ........................................................................................................................................................... 45
5.4.2 Vrindavan ......................................................................................................................................................... 46
5.4.3 Nandgaon ......................................................................................................................................................... 48
5.4.4 Gokul ................................................................................................................................................................ 48
5.4.5 Goverdhan ....................................................................................................................................................... 49
5.4.6 Barsana............................................................................................................................................................. 50
5.4.7 Mahavan .......................................................................................................................................................... 51
5.5 Institutional Framework for Promotion of Tourism Activities................................................................................. 51
5.6 Summary .................................................................................................................................................................... 51
6 PHYSICAL FEATURES & ENVIRONMENT ...................................................................................... 53

6.1 Climate ....................................................................................................................................................................... 53
6.2 Topography ................................................................................................................................................................ 53
6.2.1 Soil, Geology, and Geomorphology ................................................................................................................ 54
6.2.2 Lithology........................................................................................................................................................... 54
6.2.3 Hydrology & Drainage ..................................................................................................................................... 54
6.3 Natural Resources & Heritage ................................................................................................................................... 55
6.3.1 Forests & Groves ............................................................................................................................................. 55
6.3.2 Mounds & Hills................................................................................................................................................. 56
6.3.3 River and Other Water Bodies ........................................................................................................................ 56
6.4 Summary .................................................................................................................................................................... 57
7 LANDCOVER CHARACTERISTICS OF BRAJ REGION ....................................................................... 58

7.1 Jurisdictional Changes & Previous Efforts of Planned Development ...................................................................... 58
7.2 Existing land cover ..................................................................................................................................................... 58
7.3 Developable and Non-Developable Area ................................................................................................................. 60
7.4 Peri-urban areas and urban villages ......................................................................................................................... 60
7.5 Summary .................................................................................................................................................................... 61
8 INFRASTRUCTURE PROFILE OF BRAJ REGION .............................................................................. 62

8.1 Physical Infrastructure............................................................................................................................................... 62
8.1.1 Road & Transportation Infrastructure ............................................................................................................ 62
8.1.2 Water Supply ................................................................................................................................................... 64
8.1.3 Sewerage and Sanitation................................................................................................................................. 65

8.1.4 Solid Waste Management ............................................................................................................................... 65

8.1.5 Power ............................................................................................................................................................... 65
8.2 Social Infrastructure .................................................................................................................................................. 67
8.2.1 Education ......................................................................................................................................................... 67
8.2.2 Health ............................................................................................................................................................... 67
8.3 Summary .................................................................................................................................................................... 68
9 SOCIAL AND CULTURAL PROFILE OF BRAJ REGION ..................................................................... 69

9.1 Fairs and Festivals ...................................................................................................................................................... 69
9.2 Tourism Resources & Assets ..................................................................................................................................... 70
9.2.1 Temples, Architectural & Heritage Structures ............................................................................................... 70
9.2.2 Kunds................................................................................................................................................................ 70
9.2.3 Ghats ................................................................................................................................................................ 70
9.3 Summary .................................................................................................................................................................... 71
10 REVIEW OF EXISTING STUDIES, POLICIES & REPORTS OF BRAJ REGION .................................. 72

10.1 State Policy for tourism Development: .................................................................................................................... 72
10.2 Tourism Master Plan of Braj Region ......................................................................................................................... 73
10.3 Environmental Assessment report of Rehabilitation of Kunds in Braj Region. ...................................................... 75
10.4 Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YIEDA) ............................................................................ 75
10.5 Taj Trapezium zone (TTZ) .......................................................................................................................................... 78
10.6 Summary .................................................................................................................................................................... 82
11 DEVELOPMENT APPROACH & WAY FORWARD ....................................................................... 84

11.1 Project So Far ............................................................................................................................................................. 84
11.2 Next AGENDA............................................................................................................................................................. 84
11.2.1 Procurement of Satellite Image: ..................................................................................................................... 84
11.2.2 Secondary Data Collection from various Departments ................................................................................. 85
11.2.3 Primary Surveys- Methodology Finalization & questionnaires ..................................................................... 91

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Settlements falling under the Planning area ......................................................................... 23

Table 2: Description of Mathura Station ............................................................................................. 26
Table 3: Major roads in Braj region ..................................................................................................... 28
Table 4: Population Distribution of Braj Region, with the respective area and SC/ST population ...... 32
Table 5: Population Density in BRAJ Planning Region ......................................................................... 33
Table 6: Sex ratio of BRAJ region ........................................................................................................ 35
Table 7: Literacy rate of Braj region .................................................................................................... 36
Table 8: Workforce Participation Rate in BRAJ Region ....................................................................... 36
Table 9: Household characteristics of Braj region ............................................................................... 37
Table 10: Primary activities in Braj region ........................................................................................... 39
Table 11: Agro Processing units Braj Region ....................................................................................... 40
Table 12: Secondary activities workers in Braj region ......................................................................... 40
Table 13: Tertiary activities workers in Braj region ............................................................................. 41
Table 14: Tourist Inflow in the Braj region .......................................................................................... 44
Table 15: Soil and Climate statistic of region ...................................................................................... 54
Table 16: Rainfall and Groundwater of Braj region ............................................................................. 55
Table 17: Land-use Statement of BRAJ Region.................................................................................... 59
Table 18: Road category and length in the region .............................................................................. 63
Table 19: No. of schools ...................................................................................................................... 67
Table 20: Health facilities available ..................................................................................................... 67
Table 21: Phasing of the Yamuna Express Way ................................................................................... 77

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Methodology........................................................................................................................ 12
Figure 2: Layering of a base map ........................................................................................................ 13
Figure 3: modes of primary data collection ........................................................................................ 14
Figure 3: Geo Referencing - DGPS Survey ........................................................................................... 15
Figure 5: Digitisation of Maps ............................................................................................................. 16
Figure 3: Administrative Map of Mathura District .............................................................................. 24
Figure 4: Location Regional Connectivity of Braj Region ..................................................................... 25
Figure 5: Regional Connectivity Map of Braj Region (Mathura District).............................................. 27
Figure 6: Brief History of BRAJ Region ................................................................................................ 29
Figure 7:An artifact from the Mauryan Empire ................................................................................... 29
Figure 8: A view of Vishram Ghat in the year 1912 ............................................................................. 30
Figure 9: Status of Urban & Rural Population in Braj Region .............................................................. 33
Figure 10: Population Growth Trend of the Region ............................................................................ 34
Figure 11: Population Growth of Major Towns of Braj Region............................................................ 34
Figure 12: Floating Population of Braj region...................................................................................... 35
Figure 13: Workforce Distribution of Braj Region ............................................................................... 36
Figure 14: Economic profile of Braj region .......................................................................................... 38
Figure 15: Workers distribution of Braj region.................................................................................... 38
Figure 16: Economic activities of braj region ...................................................................................... 39
Figure 17: Mathura Refinery .............................................................................................................. 41
Figure 18: Clusters in Braj region ....................................................................................................... 43
Figure 19: Tourism Circuits of BRAJ Region ......................................................................................... 44
Figure 20: Sri Krishna Janambhoomi temple ...................................................................................... 45
Figure 21: The Archaeological Museum Mathura and the Vishram Ghat Mathura ............................ 45
Figure 22: Pagal Baba Temple Vrindavan ............................................................................................ 46
Figure 23: Bankey Bihari Temple......................................................................................................... 46
Figure 24: Govind Dev Temple ............................................................................................................ 47
Figure 25: Madan Mohan Temple ....................................................................................................... 47
Figure 26: Shri Krishna Balaram Mandir .............................................................................................. 47
Figure 27: The Rangaji Temple ............................................................................................................ 48
Figure 28: Nand Sarovar (left), Nand Rai Temple, Nandgaon.............................................................. 48
Figure 29: Yog Maya Temple (Left), Dauji Temple (Right) ................................................................... 48
Figure 30: Kusum Sarovar, Goverdhan ................................................................................................ 49
Figure 31: Giriraj Hill, Goverdhan aerial view ..................................................................................... 49
Figure 32: Jaipur Temple, Barsana ...................................................................................................... 50
Figure 33: Maan Mandir, Barsana ...................................................................................................... 50
Figure 34: Bhramand Ghat (left), Chintaharan Mahadev temple Mahavan (right) ............................. 51
Figure 35: Average Temperature Distribution in Mathura District ..................................................... 53
Figure 36: Average Climate condition in Mathura District ................................................................. 53
Figure 37: Forests as per a Vedic Description of the Braj Region ........................................................ 55
Figure 38: Potara Kund (Left), Kusum Sarovar Mathura (Right) .......................................................... 56
Figure 39: Land Use and Land Cover of the Braj Region (Source: Bhuvan) ......................................... 58

Figure 40: Land use/Land Cover of the Braj Region ............................................................................ 59

Figure 41: Peri urban areas ................................................................................................................. 60
Figure 42: Road Connectivity of Braj Region ....................................................................................... 62
Figure 43: Sources of water supply in the Braj region......................................................................... 64
Figure 44: Consumer and Load details of Mathura district ................................................................. 66
Figure 45: Comparison of electricity tariff state wise ......................................................................... 66
Figure 46: Latthmaar Festival Barsana ................................................................................................ 69
Figure 47: Ghats along the River Yamuna ........................................................................................... 71
Figure 48: Brief Methodology ............................................................................................................. 73
Figure 49: Map showing the Yamuna Expressway, National and State Highways .............................. 76
Figure 50: Master Plan for YIEDA Phase I 2021 ................................................................................... 77
Figure 51: Master Plan for YIEDA Phase I 2031 ................................................................................... 78
Figure 52: Taj Trapezium Zone ............................................................................................................ 79

1 PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Braj Bhoomi, located in the Ganges-Yamuna Doab region holds a religious and mythological
significance and therefore, experiences influx of pilgrims and tourists, throughout the year from
various parts of the country. The BRAJ region in the last 50 years, has experienced haphazard growth
and deterioration of the existing heritage. In addition, the pressure on existing infrastructure due to
the increasing number of tourists visiting the region every year and poor management are other key
issues which can be observed. In order to ensure planned and coordinated growth of the BRAJ
Planning Area, we need to regulate the development process in these urban and rural settlements, in
a way that these settlements continue to serve their purpose as a place of great heritage & cultural
values to national & international tourists. The development process needs to be linked with
improvement in infrastructure and in employment opportunities in the region.
Under the Uttar Pradesh Braj Niyojan Aur Vikas Board (sanshodhan) Adhiniyam 2017 (U.P. Act No. 3
of 2017) the region is spreading across 4000 sq.km.. Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad (UPBTVP)
has been constituted for the preparation of a plan for this region to preserve, develop and maintain
the aesthetic quality of heritage in all cultural, ecological and architectural hues. UPBTVP has been
founded for co-coordinating and monitoring the implementation of this plan and for evolving policies
for integrated tourism development and Heritage conservation.
Therefore, the purpose here is to prepare a Regional Development Plan with estimated land &
infrastructure requirements for various tourist and pilgrimage activity, based on changing demands;
supporting the regional population and developing planning guidelines, policies, and development
code.
1.1 Aim
The Regional Development Plan of BRAJ Planning Area focuses on integrated development & economy
of the region, by capturing the potential Tourism/ Pilgrimage activities and upgrading the social,
physical, cultural and ecological landscape of the region.
1.2 Objectives
Keeping the vision of the project in mind, the main objective of this project is to provide a sustainable
vision document, land use map and road map for balanced growth of BRAJ Planning Area by regulating
present and future spatial development envisaged for the horizon year of 2040. Specific objectives
and deliverables within the plan have been detailed out and elaborated as shown below:
i. To reinforce the image of the Mathura region through conservation of existing heritage
structures and promoting tourism facilities
ii. To strengthen the economic base and generate adequate employment opportunities through
proper utilization of potential tourism and available resources
iii. To provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and social facilities so as to cater to the needs of
tourist visitors and to enhance the quality of life of the local people of the region.
iv. To develop BRAJ Planning Area as a ‘Tourism Hub’ with identification of certain pockets for
local area development

v. To create effective implementation strategies that promotes equitable & inclusive

development
1.3 Approach for Planning

Considering the background of the project, its aim, and objectives; adoption of certain principles and
approaches for the balanced planning of the BRAJ regional are required to be prepared, which are as
listed below:
1. The Regional Development Plan aims to proffer solutions to the challenges faced by the Braj
region. The multidisciplinary approach proposed to be adopted shall ensure a conceptual and
functional, inter-sectoral coherence, minimising conflict.
2. As Braj is a predominantly rural area, with one distinctly urban center (Mathura - Vrindavan) and
while few urbanised villages are now recognised as Nagar panchayats, even their character is
predominately rural. Therefore, this plan needs to balance the needs and aspirations of both the
rural and the urban segment.
3. The development plan will need to address the issue of overlapping jurisdictions of bodies
including MVDA, YEIDA, Municipal Bodies & Panchayati Raj Bodies and position/ establish UPBTVP
as the key driver of development in this region.
4. The proposed development plan shall be imbued with an understanding of the cultural and
ecological landscape of the Braj Region which is its greatest asset. The conservation of cultural &
ecological heritage and sensitive development which respects this heritage shall be the
touchstone which shall determine the inclusion of specific proposals in the Development Plan.
5. The Braj Region and the association of its physical landscape with the life of Shri Krishna draws a
large number of pilgrims to booth Mathura and Vrindavan as well as to the settlements and
locations spread in the hinterland while pilgrimage brings spiritual solace to the pilgrim, it is also
an opportunity for the resident both in terms of linkages to the world at large and in terms of the
economic benefits it brings. It shall be the endeavor of this plan to ensure an equitable spread of
these benefits to the residents of Braj.
6. This Development Plan is the first of its kind for the region needs to lay down the foundations for
robust planning and implementation mechanism, an institutional framework which shall serve the
long-term needs of Braj, particularly incorporating within itself methods of feedback gained during
its implementations to further refine future plans.
7. At the Macro (Regional) scale the Development Plan shall formalise the spatial structure for the
region and address Land-Use strategies which shall steer the future development of the region.
8. The broad focus areas of the Development Plan in the Rural Segments of the planning area shall
be the provision of Social & Physical Infrastructure (particularly Water & Sanitation) and creation
of a sustainable tourist infrastructure that includes community networks in the operation and
upkeep of the proposed infrastructure.
9. In the urban segment, strategies for planned growth, up-gradation of urban infrastructure
networks to cater for current and future growth, housing and generation of livelihoods shall be
incorporated.
10. At the conclusion of this planning process, a shelf of prioritised, sector-wise projects shall be
identified for implementation. This may not be a comprehensive list; however, it shall identify
focus areas which require intervention.
11. While it is beyond the scope of this Development Plan to provide specific design and engineering
solutions to specific site level issues, the identification of areas of intervention and broad

guidelines governing the nature of the interventions shall be outlined.

12. However, due to the unique character of the region and the strong focus on its conservation, this
Development Plan proposes to include within it illustrative Micro interventions which clarify the
intent of the Shelf of Projects. These shall provide examples of desirable best practices in Urban
Design, Architecture and Engineering, most suitable to this region.
1.4 Scope of Work

UPBTVP has detailed out a list for the scope of the services for the preparation of the Development
Plan for the Braj Region. The list is as follows:
1. Regional framework with identification of rural and urban centers.

2. Population and employment.
3. Policies pertaining to Housing, trade and commerce, Industry and tourism development.
4. Environmental sustainability of the region.
5. Land use plan.
6. Road and Transportation plan for the region.
7. Conservation of built heritage and identification of heritage zone and policies.
8. Urban design and development controls to maintain and enhance the character of the region.
9. Social infrastructure.
10. Physical Infrastructure.
11. Review and monitoring framework

1.5 Methodology
This section elaborates the activity structure and corresponding methodology adopted for the preparation of the Regional Development Plan for the BRAJ
Region, based on the objectives and scope of work provided by UPBTVP. An overview of these approaches has been detailed out stage-wise, as following:
Figure 1: Methodology

1.5.1 Stage 1: Existing Situation Assessment

This stage will focus on the initiation of the Development Plan preparation and bringing all spatial / no
spatial information of the planning region to one platform. The scope of work in this stage is a
comprehensive assessment of the existing situation and identification of the general trends of socio-
economic development at the regional level. Furthermore, the stage will concentrate on the
assessment of available data and information and accuracy of this data in terms of quantity, quality
and its adequacy for the purpose of the preparation of the intended Development Plan. Therefore,
the Consultants shall collect all available data and conduct all necessary surveys and researches as
described in this Stage and as required for the assignment.
1) Project Team Mobilization and Initiation

The project team shall be mobilized and reconnaissance survey shall be done to understand the
planning area.
2) Finalization of Methodology & Work Plan

The methodology and the work plan to be followed for the project shall be elaborated that will guide
in timely completion of the project.
3) Preparation and Submission of the Inception Report

The Inception Report shall describe the conceptual framework planned for undertaking the
development plan.
4) Data Collection
Figure 2: Layering of a base map
A. Secondary Data Collection
Secondary data will include the
information available from other
departments, government authorities and
organizations, which will cover the basic
profile of the towns such as population,
geography, economy & administrative
units. Data Collection from other different
government agencies/line departments
and research institutes will also
incorporate Documentation of Policies,
Strategies, and Plans.
Furthermore, other spatial data i.e.

various infrastructure networks will also
be collected to illustrate the baseline
profile of Planning Area, in form of maps,
images, details related to location &
geography of the place, distribution of
land use/land cover in the planning area.
B. Primary Data Collection

This task shall comprise Household Surveys, Traffic Surveys, DGPS Surveys, Socio-Economic
Surveys, and Tourism Surveys. The team shall prepare detailed survey sheets before going on the
field and get it approved by the authority.
Figure 3: modes of primary data collection
Household Survey- The main purpose of the Household Survey will be to assess the socio-
economic conditions prevailing in the project area. The questionnaire will cover various
components like household profile (HH size, age profile & gender composition), employment &
economic profile, condition of existing social and physical infrastructure facilities, poverty profile,
etc. This survey will also help us in identifying the gaps prevailing in the existing infrastructure
facilities, both social and physical, and categorize the issues are most important and need to be
addressed on the urgent basis to improve their livelihood, living environment and the quality of
life of the local people. The sample size for the household survey will be 500 households and the
distribution of samples will be finalized after discussing it with the authority.
Tourism Surveys- Information about the tourism industry and tourists must be available for
planning and decision-making. Hence, the tourism survey for BRAJ planning region will provide
the information about tourists- why they chose BRAJ as their destination, how much they spent
money, what they spent that money on and whether the visit was up to their expectations, etc. In
order to conduct this survey, tourists with a sample size of 500, will be interviewed across the
region.
Socio-Economic Surveys at certain retail/commercial pockets with a sample size of 200

individuals will be carried out to examine the impact of tourism activities prevailing in the region.
Traffic Surveys- For the purpose of Development Plan Formulation of BRAJ region, certain Basic
Standard Transport and Traffic surveys will be carried out in the planning area. The activity will
include surveys such as- Road Network Inventory, Traffic Volume Count, Pedestrian Volume
Count, Bus Stop Survey & Cordon Point Survey at various locations.

5) Preparation of GIS base map

Preparation of an accurate and updated Base Map is the first and foremost activity for the
preparation of Master Plan. Base Map forms an important and prime database for review of the
existing condition. Base Map refers to the most accurate spatial database within a data system
that depicts the fundamental map elements, such as topography, political divisions, cadastral
divisions, roads, water bodies, etc. It also serves as a reference system for integrating other spatial
information with a higher level of accuracy. The different stages involved in the preparation of the
Base Map have been described below:
STEP 1: Boundary Identification with census maps

The updated census maps will be collected for the year 2011 for all the town and villages covered
under project area and their village boundary will be generated from these census maps. The
overall project boundary will also be identified using census maps.
STEP 2: Procurement of Bhuvan satellite map, JSAC & SRTM

The satellite map of the project area is collected from Bhuvan website and the same has to be
processed according to the requirement.
STEP 3: Digital Ground Control Points Survey (DGPS) Town boundary survey
The survey of the town boundary is done using the DGPS survey along with the government
officials and local people of the town to identify the extent of the project area boundary.
STEP 4: Geo-referencing
Geo-Reference means to associate something with locations in physical space. The term is
commonly used in the geographic information systems field to describe the process of associating
a physical map or raster image of a map with spatial locations. The geo-referencing of the map
was done using the co-ordinate reference system.
Figure 4: Geo-Referencing - DGPS Survey

Satellite Data – DGPS Survey Satellite Data – Pan sharpening & Digitization
Quick bird / Worldview/Geoeye Orthorectification Quick bird /
panchromatic data (2.5m Worldview/Geoeye
panchromatic data
resolution)
(2.5m resolution)
Quick bird /
Worldview/Geoeye Multi
Spectral data
(2.5m resolution)
STEP 5: Existing land-use survey

The detailed existing land-use survey of core areas for the urban centers and overall survey for
the rural areas is carried out to identify the key physical features viz. natural features like river and
water bodies; and man-made features; residential areas, commercial areas, public buildings,

important structures/landmarks, roads (National and State Highways) and Railway lines;
Agriculture, Waste-Land and Barren Land, etc.
STEP 6: Primary Ground Verification

First level ground verification/truthing will be done to verify the land-use map prepared from the
existing land use survey above.
STEP 7: Mouza Procurement, Digitization of Revenue Plots & Super imposition of Cadastral maps
& Bhuvan satellite map
Various mouza maps for the project area are collected from Guljar bag press Patna. In the
following stages, collected mouza maps are stitched and digitized to extract the revenue plots
along with revenue numbers. Super imposition will be done of cadastral maps & Bhuvan satellite
map in order to generate the geo-referenced preliminary base map with revenue details.
Figure 5: Digitisation of Maps
Sajra Maps Collection
Superimposition
Final Cadastral Data
Sajra Maps Digitization
STEP 8: Preparation of preliminary base-map

The preliminary base map is prepared through the above mentioned rigorous process and
administrative boundary will be generated from this preliminary base-map.
STEP 9: Ground Verification / Truthing

Ground verification/truthing is done to verify the preliminary base map with the ground reality.
6) Assessment of Socio-Economic Data

Assessment of Socio-Economic Data will incorporate demographic, economic, social and cultural
aspects such as population, employment, industries, tourism, etc. and overall trend pattern. This
analysis will help in identifying the quantitative and qualitative measures required for the socio-
economic well-being of the local people. In addition, assessment of major survey outcomes will
also be studied in the BRAJ region through thematic mapping.

7) Assessment of Physical Infrastructure

The provision of adequate physical infrastructure is fundamental to ensuring people are safe,
healthy and productive in the community. This segment will focus on existing water supply
systems and network, electricity supply and network/power, sewerage system,
telecommunication, solid waste treatment facilities, public toilets/sanitation, etc. The existing
situation in planning area shall be analyzed and gaps will be identified in order to develop the
strategies to cope up with the future requirement of these services in the region as per increasing
population.
8) Assessment of Social Infrastructure

This segment will include Social Infrastructure facilities pertaining to Health, Education, Sports
Facilities, Socio-cultural activities, Communications, Security and Safety, and Other Community
Facilities pertaining to Recreation, Religious activities, Social Congregations and Community
Events, Cremation/ Burial Grounds, etc.
9) Finalization of Base-map with Existing Land-use map

Once the base map is prepared and the land-use map is finalized through surveys on ground, to
ascertain where the city is at present, its growth potentials and issues to be taken into account
while planning for it. Existing land use analysis encompasses the review of previous planning
efforts viz. development plans, master plans, etc. (if any) and existing land uses, their nature and
extent. To undertake the analysis of the implementation of previous planning efforts as
mentioned above and to prepare a new Development Plan / Master Plan, major input is obtained
from the present base map and land use scenario of the city.
10) Land Suitability Analysis and Development Potential Scenarios

On the basis of existing land features and the existing development of land, a land suitability
analysis shall be carried which shall help demarcate the land suitable for future development.
Land Suitability & Potential Analysis is a process by which the fitness of a specific land parcel to
support a well-defined activity or land use is identified. The primary objective of the land potential
analysis is to identify conservation and developable zones. Land suitability and land potential
analysis act as tools for rationalizing proposed land use patterns and land cover for future
development scenarios. The basic premise of suitability analysis is that any landscape has intrinsic
characteristics that are either suitable or unsuitable to different extents for the activities being
planned. The revelation of these relationships through detailed evaluation and assessment helps
make the process of identification of land that is suitable for building, or suitable for the
development of various land uses, more informed and efficient.
11) Population Projection and Estimation of future Infrastructure, Tourist facilities &
Housing Demand
Projections are an extrapolation of historical data (population v/s time) into the future. The
accuracy of population projections is generally considered directly proportional to the size of the
existing population and the historical rate of growth, and inversely proportional to the length of
the time projection. Population projections for the project area will be done by different
population projection methods and an appropriate method will be chosen to finalise the most apt
number based on various external and internal factors prevailing in the region. Once the
population for the entire planning area shall be projected for the horizon year, detailed demand
estimations shall be made for the provision of facilities and services.

12) Stakeholder Consultation Workshop

The main purpose of Stakeholder Consultation Workshop is to get the brief understanding about
the BRAJ Planning Area from the local people and prima facie understand the issues that the
people of this region are facing and to get a holistic idea of the socio-economic profile of the
region. The other main objective of the public meeting is to make the Development
Authority/Nagar Parishad members aware about the process of the preparation of the Master
Plan and the timelines related to its implementation. The purpose is also to emphasize that it’s a
people’s plan and that citizen’s active involvement and contribution towards the development of
Master Plan is equally important through regular stakeholder consultation meetings/workshops
at appropriate levels.
1.5.2 Stage 2: Vision and Strategy Formulation

Based on the detailed assessment of the existing situation and current trends in the Project Area
carried out of Stage -1, one should proceed with the second stage i.e. Vision and Strategy Formulation.
The vision statement for the development of any place/region becomes very much important since it
helps in the visualization of where and how one wants the region to be in the coming years. It should
be carefully carved out and should encompass the aspirations of its local people and various other
stakeholders involved directly or indirectly in the development process. Once the vision statement is
finalized, a strategy and a policy framework have to be formulated.
1) Vision
Considered to be one of the most crucial steps during the preparation of a development plan, a Vision
acts as a guide for the future development of the region. The vision perceived is further enumerated
in the following specific statements:
▪ The vision of the regional/City spatial structure and the likely scale of development in the
context of demographic trends, including migration patterns and housing issues.
▪ The implications of the above on the distribution of population and activities and on the land
use and environment.
▪ The role and feasibility of developing growth centers that can attract inward investment and
efficient infrastructure – including the potential of the region acting as a pivot for future
tourism, economic and spatial development
▪ Economic sector development and employment generation, strategic plans to invite foreign
investments at strategic growth points for economic sustainability and balanced growth.
▪ The distribution of population and economic activities and urban-rural linkages and the
development of rural economy and the necessary infrastructure to sustain.
▪ The holding capacities of various environmental factors to be assessed for sustainable
development e.g. availability of potable drinking water sources till horizon year.
▪ Identification of key commercially viable real estate/infrastructure projects that can be taken
up by the Authority or other government agencies based on a detailed real estate market
assessment
▪ Regional and Urban Infrastructure in terms of transport, water supply, power and
communication, urban environment quality including waste management and effective
drainage.

▪ Management of Environment, and Natural Resources.

▪ Preparation of Comprehensive Transport Plan with Existing Situation analysis.
Recommendation and Proposals to be presented along with DP.
▪ The interdependence of the proposed development plan with existing schemes and linkages
to the other key regions of Rajasthan and Haryana
2) Development Strategies
A Vision is generally accompanied by a set of development strategies that help achieve the Vision
through a set of detailed framework for development.
3) Stakeholder Consultation & Visioning Exercise

The main purpose of Stakeholder Consultation is to get the brief understanding about the BRAJ region
from the local people and prima facie understand the issues that the people of BRAJ are facing and to
get a holistic idea of the socio-economic profile of the area. The other main objective of the public
meeting is to make the Authority/Nagar Parishad members aware about the process of the
preparation of the Master Plan and the timelines related to its implementation. The purpose was also
to emphasize that it’s a people’s plan and that citizen’s active involvement and contribution towards
the development of Development Plan is equally important through regular stakeholder consultation
meetings/workshops at appropriate levels.
4) Concept Plan Options

The concept plan will be evolved from a comprehensive understanding of the existing situation, land
utilization pattern, land suitability & potential analysis, and population projections carried out for the
area. Furthermore, the process will involve an exploration of several alternatives, for each of which,
certain principles, laid down with a view to achieving the vision for the project area, will be primary
guiding factors. Establishing coherence between residential developments, urban infrastructure,
economic activities & provision of amenities within the project area would be the key factor in the
process of its future development. With ecological sustainability being a major design criterion, the
Master Plan emphasizes the need for good quality of spaces for housing, education, and health among
the residents of the project area along with the provision of adequate infrastructure and civic
amenities. It should also incorporate Spatial planning norms and standards for the town that shall be
followed (URDPFI Guidelines)
1.5.3 Stage 3: Spatial Strategy and Preliminary Plan
1) Existing Land Use Map Finalization

a. The existing land use map shall be finalized and shall have the following attributes-
b. Existing land use map with the mapping of residential areas, commercial areas, industrial
areas, green spaces and water bodies, public and semipublic areas, etc.
c. Existing land use statement/activity structure
d. Existing road network
e. Mapping of important religious structures, heritage structures, conservation areas, etc.

2) Finalization of Conceptual Development Plan

The Preliminary Development Plan shall have the following attributes
a. Identification of spatial pattern of growth.

b. Conceptual Development Plan, with land use statement at a broad level
c. Proposed road network
d. Spatial distribution of open spaces, social facilities, and amenities
e. Conceptual Heritage plan
f. Pilgrim and Tourism management guidelines
3) Spatial Strategy Formulation

Upon approval of the preferred strategy and finalization of Concept Plan, by envisaging physical
manifestations of the vision, the Consultants shall formulate the final spatial strategy and the resultant
preliminary land use plan. The preliminary Land-use plan should describe the following:
▪ Physical Infrastructure at Trunk level water supply system, sewerage, and stormwater drainage
system; Solid waste and wastewater treatment and disposal facilities.
▪ Social Infrastructure including health, education, recreation, sports, etc.
▪ Commercial canters at various levels.
▪ Major resources and distribution system of water, power, sewerage disposal system.
▪ Heritage management plans
▪ Pilgrim and Tourism management plan
▪ Transportation Plan: -structure plan for road network with a hierarchy of roads and rail
/metro/ropeway network.
1.5.4 Stage 4: Draft Regional Development Plan & Report
▪ Land-use zoning covering the whole Project Area and defining clearly all types of land uses
including open space, protected and productive areas. The land use assigned shall be as far as
possible demarcated by the physically verifiable features e.g. Road, river, drain, canal, extreme
level difference, forest boundary, etc.
▪ Preparation of Regional Development Plan will exist at 3 levels:
A. Regional Plan & Strategies
B. Spatial Planning at Settlement level, with norms & guidelines.
C. Identification of Specific projects based on special needs and local area requirements
▪ Division of the Development Area into zones for the further preparation of Zonal Development
Plans. The division shall be based on physically verified features and upon technical logic.
▪ Micro-level planning to promote different kinds of tourism ie. heritage, pilgrimage, adventure,
medical, etc.
▪ Conservation of ecosystem and water bodies and action plans for water harvesting
▪ Stage-wise estimates of the growth of economic activities, employment and population shall be
provided
▪ Different models of land development shall be highlighted viz. Land Pooling System, Purchasable
Development Rights, Accommodation Reservation, Land Re-adjustment, Market-based charges
for institution and change of land use, external and internal development charges and impact fees
shall be adopted.

▪ Presentation of the Draft Development Plan to the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad.
▪ Incorporation of the suggestions received from the committee.
1.5.5 Stage 5: Assistance to UTBTVP in notification & finalization of

Regional Development Plan
Consultant shall facilitate Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad in the notification of Draft
Development Plan as per provisions of Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad act which shall be
exhibited to general for 30 working days. Upon receipt of objections and suggestions, the same shall
be compiled. The main objective of the public notification is to represent the Regional Development
Plan to the public & other stakeholders and receive their suggestions/ corrections to be incorporated
in the Final Regional Development.
In addition to the above, the consultants shall submit monthly progress reports indicating the progress
of the study in terms of schedule activity versus actual status and action plan for the following months.
After compiling the objections and suggestion, the final report shall convey the development of the
town in financially sustainable and time-bound manner by exploring alternative ways of funding,
obtaining land for physical and social infrastructure and shall have the following features:
▪ Executive Summary
▪ Development plan phasing
▪ Preliminary line estimates of physical and social infrastructure, identification of financing and
operating mechanism, and funding pattern shall be prepared.
▪ The detailed Land Use plan along with the strategy for implementation and funding the
development.
1.6 Summary
Choosing the right methodology for the project and defining the necessary scope of work in a correct
sequence, facilitates to continue the project in the most efficient way. After elaborating the aim,
objectives, scope of work and appropriate methodology of the project, other necessary facets of the
region can be looked at, in the chapters ahead, as a part of our analysis. In coming Chapters, each
aspect of BRAJ region such as- Demography, Economy, Tourism, Physical Infrastructure, social
infrastructure will be scrutinized.

2 STUDY AREA PROFILE

2.1 Introduction
2.1.1 About State- Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state of India. It is situated in the northern part of India and shares
boundary with Uttarakhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and
an international border with Nepal.
The history of Uttar Pradesh is recognised in the later Vedic Age as Brahmarshi Desha or Madhya
Desha. Many great sages of the Vedic times like Bhardwaja, Gautam, Yagyavalkaya, Vashishtha,
Vishwamitra, and Valmiki flourished in this state. Several sacred books of the Aryans were also
composed here. Two great epics of India, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, appear to have been inspired
by Uttar Pradesh. In the Sixth Century BC, Uttar Pradesh was associated with two new religions-
Jainism and Buddhism. It was at Sarnath that Buddha preached his first sermon and laid the
foundations of his order. Several centers in Uttar Pradesh like Ayodhya, Prayag, Varanasi, and Mathura
became reputed centers of learning.
Based on its physiography, the main regions of Uttar Pradesh are the central plains of the Ganga and
its tributaries, the southern uplands, the Himalayan region, and the sub montane region between the
Himalayas and the plains. The Gangetic Plain occupies about three-fourths of the total area of Uttar
Pradesh. It largely consists of a fertile plain which is featureless and varies in elevation, rising up to
300 meters in the northwest, and 60 meters in the extreme east. It is composed of alluvial deposits
which are brought down by the Ganga and its tributaries from the Himalayas. The southern uplands
constitute a part of the Vindhya Range, which is rugged, largely dissected, and rises towards the south-
east. The elevation in this region reaches up to 300 meters.
2.1.2 About Mathura District

The seat of district administration is at Mathura. The district comprises of 05 tahsils namely Chhata,
Mathura, Mant, Mahavan, and Goverdhan (Goverdhan, newly created after 2011 Census). There are
10 Development Blocks in the district namely Nandgaon, Chhata, Chaumuhan, Goverdhan, Mathura,
Farah, Baldeo, Nohjhil, Mat and Raya. Total area of the district is 3340.0 Sq. Km. The rural area covers
3185.7 Sq. Km. and urban recorded 154.3 Sq. Km. There are 479 Gram Panchayats and 874 Revenue
villages out of which 730 inhabited villages and 144 uninhabited villages in the district. In urban area
there are 17 statutory Towns and 8 Census Towns. Statutory Towns comprises of 3 Nagar Palika
Parishad, 13 Nagar Panchayats and 01 Cantonment Board.

2.1.3 BRAJ Planning Area
For the preparation of the Development Plan under Uttar Pradesh Teerth Vikas Parishad, the Mathura
district is considered as the Braj region as per the act 'Uttar Pradesh Braj Planning and Development
Board Act, 2015'comprising an area of 3340 sq km. Mathura district planning area comprises of
following Settlements as below:
Table 1: Settlements falling under the Planning area

Sr No Description Unit
1 Total Geographical Area (Sq.km) 3340
2 No. of Sub Divisions (Tehsil) 5
3 No. of Development Blocks 10
5 No. of Statuary Town 17
Nagar Palika Parishad Nagar Panchayat
1. Mathura 1. Barsana (NP)
2. Vrindavan 2. Chaumuha (NP)
3. Kosi Kalan 3. Chhata (NP)
4. Nandgaon (NP)
Cantonment Board 5. Baldeo (NP)
1. Mathura Cant. 6. Gokul (NP)
7. Mahavan (NP)
8. Raya (NP)
9. Bajna (NP)
10. Farah (NP)
11. Govardhan (NP)
12. Radhakund (NP)
13. Sookh (NP)
4 No. of Census Town 08
Aurangabad Banger
Bad
Bakalpur Mathura
Birjapur
IsapurBanger
Pali Khera
Rajpur Banger
Ranchi Banger
6 No. of Villages (Inhabited) 723
7 No. of Gram Panchayats 479
Source: (Census of India 2011)
There are 479 Gram Panchayats and 880 Revenue villages out of which 730 are inhabited villages and
144 are uninhabited villages in the district. In the urban area, there are 17 statutory Towns and 8
Census Towns. Statutory Towns comprises of 3 Nagar Palika Parishad, 13 Nagar Panchayats and 01
Cantonment Board.

Figure 6: Administrative Map of Mathura District
2.1.4 Administrative Structure:
The district administration of Mathura comprises of Revenue, Development, Police (Law and Order),
Judiciary, and Local self-government departments. District Magistrate is In-charge of revenue &
administration. He is assisted by Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue) i.e., ADM (F&R).
At the tehsil level, Sub Divisional Magistrate is In-charge, who is now re-designated as Up-Jila Adhikari.
He is assisted by Tehsildars in each tehsil and for revenue collection, each tehsil is further entrusted

to Naib Tehsildars and Kanongos's circles respectively, likewise, for each revenue village, Lekhpal is In-
charge.
2.2 Regional Setting, Location and Connectivity
In terms of location, Brajbhoomi falls within modern-day Delhi, Jaipur, Agra Golden Triangle circuit.
Quite well defined, culturally, even though not so geographically, Braj Bhoomi, is spread over an area
of around 5,400 sq km bound by a periphery known traditionally and historically as 84 Kos spanning
Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, Bharatpur district in Rajasthan and Hodal Subdivision of Palwal Dist.
of Haryana. On its northern fringe, Braj Bhoomi starts at a distance of around 90 KMs from India’s
capital New Delhi, along the National Highway 44. The Braj region has major access nodes from five
areas as entry/exit points. The access nodes are from Delhi via Kosi Kalan, Hathras, Alwar, Bharatpur,
and Agra. The important access link is Delhi – Agra route, as being the National Highway-44, passing
through Mathura.
Figure 7: Location Regional Connectivity of Braj Region
Source: Tourism Master Plan, BRAJ Region
Mathura district shares its boundary with Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi. The district is in the proximity
of different cities like Delhi, Agra, Aligarh, Bharatpur, Alwar, Lucknow, Palwal, Jaipur, Ferozabad. The
region lies well within the golden triangle of Delhi-Jaipur-Agra. Brajbhoomi can be divided into two
distinct units: the eastern part in the trans-Yamuna tract which includes Gokul, Mahavan, Baldeo,
Mant, and Manigarhi (Naujheel) Bajna; and the western side of the Yamuna covering the Mathura
region that encompasses Vrindavan, Goverdhan, Radha Kund, Barsana, Kosi Kalan and Nandgaon.
1. Airport Connectivity
There is no domestic or international airport in Mathura. The nearby domestic airport is in Agra which
is 67 km (via NH44/NH19) away from where you can find the direct/connecting flights throughout
India and an international airport which is in Delhi is 175 Kms away where you will get the outbound
and inbound flights from all over the globe.

2. Railway Connectivity
Mathura Junction which is the major railway station of the district lies in Mathura city which has ten
Platforms. There are seven routes/lines Agra-Delhi chord, Delhi-Chennai line, Mathura-Bharatpur-
Vadodara line, Mathura-Kasganj line, Mathura-Achhanera line, Mathura - Alwar line, Mathura-
Vrindavan line. Apart from the Mathura-Vrindavan line which is meter-gauge, all six lines are broad-
gauge. It has connectivity with all major cities of India. Platform 9 is dedicated to Vrindavan meter-
gauge trains, which is not operational now.
The other statistics for Mathura Junction are as follows:
Table 2: Description of Mathura Station

Sr No Description Details
1 Type of Station Junction
2 Number of Platforms 10
3 Number of Halting Trains 222
4 Number of Originating Trains 14
5 Number of Terminating Trains 14

Figure 8: Regional Connectivity Map of Braj Region (Mathura District)
3. Road Connectivity
The Braj region has major road access nodes from five areas as entry/exit points i.e. from Delhi via
Kosi Kalan, Hathras, Alwar, Bharatpur, and Agra. The important access link is Delhi – Agra route, as
being the National Highway-44, passing through Mathura, which has been converted into North-South
Expressway, with six-lane toll-way. Yamuna Expressway is a 6-lane (extendable to 8 lanes), 165 km
long, controlled-access expressway, connecting Greater Noida with Agra in Uttar Pradesh. It is one of
India's longest six-lane controlled-access expressway stretches. The other important access is the
state highway from Bareilly to Alwar passing through Mathura, and others being access to Bharatpur
along with other district roads. The State Highway-39 passes through the Mathura city. The National

Highways, State Highways and their major routes/links passing through Mathura are tabulated as
shown below:
Table 3: Major roads in Braj region

Sr No Road Type Route/Link
1 Yamuna Expressway Greater Noida - Agra
2 NH44 Srinagar-Delhi-Mathura-Agra-Gwalior- Kanyakumari
3 NH530 B Mathura-Raya-Hathras-Sikandra Rao
4 SH 33 Pilibhit-Bareilly-Mathura-Bharatpur
5 SH 80 Aligarh-Mathura

2.3 Brief History of BRAJ Region

Mathura is one of the holy and ancient cities in India. In the 6th century, BC Mathura became the
capital of the Surasena mahajanapada. The city was later ruled by the Maury Empire (4th to 2nd
centuries BC) and the Sunga dynasty (2nd century BC). Even though the city is ruled by Moguls it
remained as a major Hindu pilgrimage and became belt for Lord Shri Krishna bhakti cult. After the
Moguls rule, it fell into the hands of Jhats and finally captured by the British forces during the 18th
century. The Jhats of Mathura district gave a good fight to the British forces and Mathura also played
an important part in the independence movement.
Figure 9: Brief History of BRAJ Region
• The city of Mathura is the birthplace of Bhagavan (God) Krishna, as documented in the ancient
traditional scriptures and dates back to about 5000 years.
• The traditional accounts of Mathura, the city, the region, and the people come from various
Vedic literature, the Ramayana and Mahabharata Epics. Satrughna, the younger brother of
Lord Rama (one of the most significant avatars of Lord Vishnu), established the city of Mathura
after defeating and killing the asura/rakshasa(demon) Lavana, the son of demon king Madhu-
so goes the name Madhura-a variant of Mathura. This city then became a royal capital as well
as an important commercial center.
• For about 3000 years, it has been the hub of culture, Figure 10:An artifact from the
civilization and economic activities, as it was located at the Mauryan Empire
junction of important trade routes. It became a center of
three cultures: Indian, Indo-Scythian and Hellenistic. Held in
sanctity by the Buddhists, Jain and Brahmanical faith alike,
it has a long and chequered history.
• Between 1st Century BC and 1st Century AD, Mathura

became the provincial capital of the northern province of
the Saka Satraps such as Hagamasha, Hagana, Sodasa, and
Rajula. During the reign of the Kushanas, Mathura rose to
prominence and gained distinction for a peculiar form of art
currently recognized by the historians as the Mathura
school of art. Kanishka, the most famous of the Kushana
rulers and his successors, ordered the building of several
Buddhist monuments, statues, and sculpture in the city. If
you visit the Mathura museum, you will see several statues
and sculpture of the period in display there.

• The ancient texts- from the third or fourth-century BCE-belonging to Jaina and Buddhist
traditions also describe the Surasenas, with its capital at Mathura. Mathura remained well
established and an important political and urban center, as well as the commercial center
through the Maurya, post-Maurya, Sunga to the Kushana periods from 3rd century BCE
through 4th century CE.
Figure 11: A view of Vishram Ghat in the year 1912
Source: (http://mathura-heritage.mapunity.com/heritage/galleries)
• Mathura remained well established and an important political and urban center, as well as
the commercial center through the Mauryan Empire, post-Maurya. Mahmud Ghazi ransacked
the city in 11 the century AD destroying Buddhist and Hindu shrines.
• It is also connected with some important events in Aurangzeb’s life. His eldest son was born
there in 1639. In 1666 Shivaji after escaping from Aurangzeb in Agra had come to Mathura.
After the Mughal rules, it came under the Jats who gave refuge to many from Delhi during
Nadirshah’s invasion and also during the invasion of Ahmad Shah Abdali. Sikander Lodhi
earned the epithet of 'Butt Shikan', the 'Destroyer of Hindu deities'. The Mughal Emperor
Aurangzeb built the city's Jami Masjid (Friday mosque).
• The noteworthy fact is that the exact place of birth of Lord Krishna, according to historians, is
in the place of worship of the Hindus, though the mosque was built near the birthplace of Lord
Krishna. The bigger Krishna shrine, better known as Dwarkadeesh temple is a fewmeters away
from what is believed to be the actual birthplace of Lord Krishna, was built in 1815 by Seth
Gokuldas Parikh, Treasurer of Gwalior.
• Finally, it came under British rule in 1804. Under British rule, the city was gifted with a
cantonment.

2.4 Summary
The major urban destinations in BRAJ Region are Mathura, Vrindavan, Goverdhan, Barsana,
Nandgaon, Gokul, Baldeo, where most of the tourism activities are concentrated and hence, only some
limited centers have been able to avail the economic benefits through tourism. However, the seat of
real Braj culture and innumerable pastimes of Sri Krishna remained in the rural hinterland of Braj
which remained largely secluded from the impending visitors and more importantly from the purview
of the planners & administrators. Hence, introducing the whole BRAJ Region (including all Villages and
smaller towns), for the preparation of Regional development plan, becomes an important stage here.

3 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF BRAJ REGION

The development of a particular city, town or a region depends upon natural, physical and socio-
economic factors. Among these factors, population assumes significance in determining the future
pattern of progress and development. The Demographic profile of the planning area has been created
based on the information derived from secondary sources and the Census of India. The major religions
in the district are Hindu (90.72%) and Muslim (8.52%) of the total population respectively.
3.1 INTRODUCTION
The development of a particular city, town or a region depends upon natural, physical and socio-
economic factors. Among these factors, population assumes significance in determining the future
pattern of progress and development. The Demographic profile of the planning area has been created
based on the information derived from secondary sources and the Census of India. The major religions
in the district are Hindu (90.72%) and Muslim (8.52%) of the total population respectively.
3.2 EXISTING POPULATION & DISTRIBUTION

The total population of Braj region (Mathura district) is 25, 41,893 (Census 2011) with a total of 13,
67,000 males and 11, 80,000 females. As per Census of India, the population of Mathura (Nagar Palika
Parishad) in 2011 was 375,590 covering an area of 39 sq km. Schedule Caste (SC) constitutes 16% and
Schedule Tribes (ST) constitutes of 0.06 % of the population of the total district.
Table 4: Population Distribution of Braj Region, with the respective area and SC/ST population
Area SC ST
S. No. Area Total Population
(sq. km.) Percentage Percentage
1 Mathura (town) 375,590 39 13 0.45
2 Vrindavan 63,005 14 10 0.03
3 Kosi Kalan 60,074 5 12 0.01
4 Goverdhan 22,576 8 13 0.03
5 Other Remaining 21 Towns 234,748 88 20 0.02
6 Total Urban 755,993 153 14 0.11
7 Total Rural (880 Villages) 1,791,191 3,188 18 0.01
8 Total (BRAJ Planning Region) 2,547,184 3,341 16 0.06
Source: Census of India, 2011
3.3 LEVEL OF URBANISATION
Out of the total Mathura population for 2011 census, 29.68 percent lives in urban regions of district.
In total 755,993 people lives in urban areas of which males are 405,097 and females are 350,896. As
per 2011 census, 70.32 % population of Mathura districts lives in rural areas of villages. The total
Mathura district population living in rural areas is 1,791,191 of which males and females are 962,028
and 829,163 respectively.

Figure 12: Status of Urban & Rural Population in Braj Region
Urban-Rural Population Urban-Rural Population Growth

Distribution 3000000
2500000
2000000
30%
1500000
Urban Population
Rural Population 1000000
70% 500000
0
1991 2001 2011
Urban Population Rural Population
There has been a constant increase in the urban population in the Braj region from the year 1991 till
2011. During 1991 a total of 76% of the population resided in rural areas of the region. Which then
declined to 71% after the conversion of a few rural areas to towns such as Bad, Aurangabad Banger,
etc. This growth remained constant to 70% of the population residing in rural areas as per census
2011.
3.4 POPULATION DENSITY

The total population density of Mathura district is 762 persons per square kilometer. As it can be
observed that the density is highest in Kosikalan town and lowest in Goverdhan town in comparison
with the other urban centres. Even within the urban centres variation in density can be seen. While
the rural areas showcase low density i.e. 562 persons per square kilometer in comparison to the urban
density of 4951 persons per square kilometer.
Table 5: Population Density in BRAJ Planning Region

S. No. Area Density (Persons/per sq km.)
1 Mathura (town) 9,653
2 Vrindavan 4,667
3 Kosi Kalan 13,350
4 Goverdhan 2,822
5 Other Remaining 21 Towns 4,201
6 Total Urban 4,951
7 Total Rural (880 Villages) 562
8 Total (BRAJ Planning Region) 762

3.5 POPULATION GROWTH

Since 1981 the district has seen steady population growth. The average population growth over a
period of 4 decades is 28.5%. Where Major growth took place in the year 1991 i.e. 53.7%. The district
population of Mathura is - 28,18,547- for the year 2018 by using incremental increase method.
Figure 13: Population Growth Trend of the Region
TOTAL POPULATION (IN LAKHS)
25.5
20.7
16.5
13.3
11.0
9.1
6.9 7.7
6.5 5.6 5.3 5.7
1901 1911 1921 1931 1941 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011
Figure 14: Population Growth of Major Towns of Braj Region
Population Growth
400000
350000
300000
250000
Population
200000
150000
100000
50000
0
1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011
Mathura 105773 125258 140150 159498 235922 323315 375590
Vrindavan 22119 25138 29460 36786 47746 56692 63005
Kosikalan 11855 15185 19105 24111 31293 45721 60074
Goverdhan 6073 7474 9564 11930 14867 18494 22756
As can be seen from the graph shown above, Mathura, being the largest urban centre has experienced
a huge increase in population in the last few decades. A major bounce in the population of the town
can be seen in the year 1981 i.e. 47% certainly, due to the increased area of the city. Other major
towns i.e. Vrindavan, Kosikalan, Goverdhan has experienced a constant growth during the same
period.

3.6 FLOATING POPULATION

Braj being a hub for religious importance both for national and international pilgrims, experience a
huge influx of tourist. This leads to a fluctuation in the population of the region. The latest estimation
by Uttar Pradesh Tourism department estimated a total of 5.6 million visitors to the region during the
year 2018. The inflow keeps growing every year with the major occasion being Krishna Janmashtami,
Holi, etc. the following table, shown below depicts the numbers of tourism visiting BRAJ regional
annually, from the year 2013 to 2018.
Figure 15: Floating Population of Braj region
Floating Population (in Lakhs)
600.00
500.00
400.00
300.00
200.00
100.00
0.00
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Total 320.63 323.37 464.72 467.39 507.78 560.38
Source: Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, 2018
3.7 SEX-RATIO
The sex ratio of Mathura District is 863 females per thousand males which is less than the state
average of 912 females per thousand males. As against to urban areas of the district the sex-ratio is
lower in rural areas (refer to the table below). Among CD Block the sex ratio is highest in Farah at 875
and lowest in Chaumuha at 849. In the urban parts of the district, the average sex-ratio is 846 and
highest of 907 in Bad (C.T.) and lowest of 799 in Mathura (CB). Child sex ratio is 860 girls per 1000
boys. (Census, 2011)
Table 6: Sex ratio of BRAJ region

S. No. Area Sex Ratio
1 Mathura (town) 799
2 Vrindavan 812
3 Kosi Kalan 882
4 Goverdhan 864
5 Other Remaining 21 Towns 871
6 Total Urban 846

3.8 LITERACY RATE

Literacy Rate in India is counted for those above 7 years age, 0-6 years children are exempted from
these criteria. Mathura district ranks 30th in literacy with 59 percent which is lower than the state
average of 67.7 percent. (Census, 2011).
Table 7: Literacy rate of Braj region

S. No. Area Literacy Rate
1 Mathura (town) 71
2 Vrindavan 68
3 Kosi Kalan 59
4 Goverdhan 64
6 Total Urban 64
3.9 WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION

In the total population of the district of 2,547,184, Figure 16: Workforce Distribution of Braj
Region
33.01 percent are workers 33 percent and rest
66.99 percent are non-worker. Among worker, 23 Total Workforce Population
percent are main workers and 10 percent are
marginal workers of the total population. In
absolute terms, males outnumber females as the Main
23%
main worker, as against marginal workers were
females outnumber males. The extent of main
workers is highest at 24.69 percent in Chhata tehsil
Margin
and lowest at 22.3 percent in Mat tehsil (Census, Non al
2011). In the district among workers, 28.05 Worker 10%
percent are cultivators and 45.35 percent other s
workers. Over 24.05 percent of female workers are 67%
engaged as cultivators. The Main source of income
in the district is from the agriculture sector and per
capita income is Rs. 48806. (Census, 2011)
Table 8: Workforce Participation Rate in BRAJ Region

S. No. Area Workforce Participation Rate
1 Mathura (town) 33
2 Vrindavan 30
3 Kosi Kalan 29
4 Goverdhan 28
6 Total Urban 30

3.10 HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS

The household size in the Braj region planning ranges from 4 - 6 in urban settlements. The average
household size is 6. (Census, 2011)
Table 9: Household characteristics of Braj region

S. No. Area Total Households
1 Mathura (town) 64,921
2 Vrindavan 11,637
3 Kosi Kalan 9,879
4 Goverdhan 3,910
5 Other Remaining 21 Towns 39,897
6 Total Urban 130,244
7 Total Rural (880 Villages) 292,881
8 Total (BRAJ Planning Region) 423,125
3.11 Summary
In BRAJ region, with a population of 25 lakh, approx. 70% of the population is rural and 30% is urban.
The population density of the region is 762 persons per square km which are lower than that of the
state i.e. 868 persons per square km, which shows that the BRAJ area is sparsely populated. Although
the urban centres are comparatively dense due to their economic significance. Another interesting
observation is that a major part of the population of BRAJ Planning Area is non- working population
(67%). This could be due to the age distribution of the district, which concludes that 47 % of the total
population falls in the category of age group 0-19 and above 60 years.

4 ECONOMIC PROFILE OF BRAJ REGION

The region has a very fertile alluvial soil which makes this region more of an agriculturally based
economy. As discussed earlier chapter, the majority of the working class is involved in agro-based
industries. Tourism based livelihoods are also significant, as the district houses many temples,
mosques, and monasteries. Mathura has various types of industries mainly; oil refinery (Indian Oil
Refinery in Mathura town), Textile printing, Fabric dyeing, and manufacturing units, manufacturing a
wide variety of goods i.e., statues, handicrafts, water taps, cotton materials. The local populations are
engaged in a wide variety of activities. The table shows the involvement of working population in
different sectors.
Figure 17: Economic profile of Braj region
Economic Profile
Tertiary Workers Primary Workers

45% 50%
Secondary Workers
5%
Around 84% of the workers are involved in the Tertiary sector in Urban centers mainly tourism, while
64% of the worker's population in rural areas depends on the primary sector. Although in both the
scenarios only 5% of the workers are involved in secondary sectors which portray that manufacturing
industries accumulate to be very less in the region.
Figure 18: Workers distribution of Braj region
Workers Distribution (Activity-wise)

100%
31
80% 45
71 5 Primary Workers
77 84
60% 89 92 92 5
Secondary Workers
40%
64
5 49 Tertiary Workers
20% 6
24 5
6 6 3 17 11
5 3 5
0%

Figure 19: Economic activities of braj region
4.1 Primary Activities

Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy of the region having to marked seasons i.e Kharif and Rabi.
The principal crops of the Kharif season are rice, jowar, pigeon pea, sugarcane, etc. The crops grown
in Rabi season are wheat, barley, lentil, black gram, gram, peas, potato, sesame, etc. Besides
agriculture, people of the region are also engaged in the secondary and tertiary sector. Agriculture
and allied activities employ 50 percent of the total workforce. Hardly 05 percent of workers are
employed in the secondary sector and 45 percent in the tertiary sector. (MSME, 2011)
Table 10: Primary activities in Braj region
S. No. Area Primary Workers (%)

1 Mathura 5
2 Vrindavan 3
3 Kosi Kalan 5
4 Goverdhan 17
6 Total Urban 11
7 Total Rural (Other 880 Villages) 64
8 Total 50
A major source of irrigation of the respondents is electric pumps followed by diesel pumps and canal.
Buffalo rearing is common in the household of respondents for milk purpose followed by cows and
goats. In the case of draft animals, respondents are keeping He-buffalos followed by oxen.

Table 11: Agro Processing units Braj Region

No of Capacity
Sr No Type of Processing Activity Type of Processing Activity
units [MT]
Food
1 Food (Rice/Flour/Dal/Oil/Tea/Coffee) 390 NA
(Rice/Flour/Dal/Oil/Tea/Coffee)
2 Sugarcane (Gur/Khandsari/Sugar) NA NA Sugarcane (Gur/Khandsari/Sugar)
3 Fruit (Pulp/Juice/Fruit drink) 2 NA Fruit (Pulp/Juice/Fruit drink)
4 Spices (Masala Powders/Pastes) NA NA Spices (Masala Powders/Pastes)
5 Cotton (Ginning/Spinning/Weaving) 128 NA Cotton (Ginning/Spinning/Weaving)
6 Milk (Chilling/Cooling/Processing) 9 NA Milk (Chilling/Cooling/Processing)
Meat
7 Meat (Chicken/Motton/Pork/Dryfish) NA NA
(Chicken/Motton/Pork/Dryfish)
Animal feed Animal feed
8 NA NA
(Cattle/Poultry/Fishmeal) (Cattle/Poultry/Fishmeal)
4.2 Secondary Activities
Though to the close of the 19th century, there were no important industrial establishments in the
district except household industry of weaving cloth, making of paper and stone carving, the making of
small silver toys at Gokul has been a famous industry from ancient times. But thereafter there was
general development in the industrial fields also. Khadi industry is also flourishing in the district. There
are cottage industries, besides these, there are areas for stone carving industry, rolling mills, Kashi
tape, and crops industry in Mathura the Bharat electric industries. There are Ayurvedic and Allopathic
manufacturing too.
Table 12: Secondary activities workers in Braj region
S. No. Area Secondary Workers (%)
1 Mathura 6
2 Vrindavan 6
3 Kosi Kalan 3
4 Goverdhan 6
6 Total Urban 5
8 Total 5
Mathura Refinery located in the city is one of the biggest oil refineries of Asia with 8.0 MMTPA refining
capacity. This oil refinery of the Indian Oil Corporation is a highly technologically advanced oil refinery
and provides local employment opportunities.

Figure 20: Mathura Refinery (Source: indiapost.com)
4.3 Tertiary Activities

Because of its favorable location and its importance as a place of pilgrimage, Mathura has always been
a trading city and it was a wealthy trade center and a great mart in ancient times. There was a trade
route coming from Tamralipti (a port in Bengal) which passed through Mathura and went on to Balkh
(in central Asia), Europe and other countries. The situation of Mathura on the Yamuna enabled boats
of considerable tonnage carryings large cargoes of stone, cotton, ghee, and indigo to pass it. During
British times many roads were built and old ones rebuilt and repaired linking Mathura with important
places inside and outside the district and facilitating its trade and commerce. In 1904 a new railway
line connecting Mathura with Agra and Delhi was laid which absorbed a good deal of the road-borne
goods traffic between Punjab and places beyond Mathura. Industrial development started in the
district only after the coming of independence in 1947. The commodities exported from the district
are grains and pulses, jaggery, oil-seeds, edible oils, preserved fruits, cotton, animals, cement, iron,
steel, coal, niwar, etc. to all parts of the country particularly to Delhi, Agra, and Aligarh and to states
of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Being the birthplace of Shri Krishna, district invites a bulk of pilgrims and
tourist hence making it an important tourist hub, which encourages the growth of tourism based
industries, hotels, restaurants, etc.
Table 13: Tertiary activities workers in Braj region
S. No. Area Tertiary Workers (%)

1 Mathura 89
2 Vrindavan 92
3 Kosi Kalan 92
4 Goverdhan 77
6 Total Urban 84
8 Total 45
4.4 Summary
The economy of BRAJ Region is mainly dependent upon the agro-based workers or primary activities.
As the region is well nourished by alluvial soil, it supports the agriculture and cultivation in the region.
Other than agriculture, tertiary activities are the second most important economic activity in BRAJ.

The region has a history which makes it an important tourist destination. It has a lot of temples. Kunds
and other religious places attracting pilgrims from other states in the country and world. As per the
U.P. Tourism department, nearly 50 million pilgrims/ tourist visited Braj region in 2018. Hence, making
tourism an important economic activity in the region will be one of the main objectives of the project.
In addition, Mathura refinery is the only large scale industry in the region, as Braj falls under Taj
Trapezium Zone, establishing other polluting industries are not allowed. Although the city has good
potential to promote small scale and household industries. In terms of economic opportunities, there
is a huge scope for development of small scale industries and channelizing the workforce in the
transportation, administrative and tourism sector.

5 PILGRIMAGE & TOURISM SECTOR
5.1 Significance of Tourism in BRAJ Region
The Braj region is known for its rich cultural, architectural, ecological and spiritual heritage. There used
to be over 1000 splashing water bodies (Kunds) in the entire region having beautiful architectural
constructions around. Over 137 lush green forests used to adore this fabled land. Hundreds of
beautiful mansions, ashrams, and temples have been built in the entire region during the course of
history. The cultural and spiritual traditions of the region have been sung and eulogized far and wide.
Braj is one of the most visited regions in Uttar Pradesh because of its rich religious & cultural heritage.
The region’s true culture lies in its rural belt and not the urbanized areas. It is in these rural villages
that the true essence of Braj and Radha-Krishna lilas can be experienced.
Most tourists coming to Braj region only visit few major tourist spots such as Vrindavan, Govardhan,
Mahavan, Gokul, Mathura, Baldeo, etc. A large portion of the entire region remains unexplored due
to lack of awareness about the rich cultural heritage of the entire region. Most tourist trips in the Braj
region last for approximately 1-2 days and do not contribute significantly to the economic
development of the region. The multi-development pattern representing various themes can be seen
along this region and mainly consist of industrial corridors, educational belts, highway resorts/
townships, etc. The regions of the Braj which lie along with these belts and which are in close proximity
to the main arterial networks have strong potential for tourism development with specific themes for
promotion.
The Braj region of Uttar Pradesh has been divided into five sacred clusters. The clusters follow the
administrative boundaries of the block and tehsil. Out of
Figure 21: Clusters in Braj region (Source:
the 10 development blocks, 5 clusters have been Tourism Master Plan Braj region)
identified namely –
▪ The Barsana – Nandgaon Cluster (NW of Braj

Region)
▪ The Mathura – Vrindavan Cluster (Central Braj
Region)
▪ The Goverdhan Cluster (SW of Braj Region)
▪ The Mat Cluster (NE of Braj Region)
▪ The Gokul Cluster (SE of Braj region)
The Barsana - Nandgaon cluster comprises of Nandgaon

and Chhata Block; The Mathura – Vrindavan Cluster
comprises of Chaumuha, Mathura and Farah Block; The
Goverdhan Cluster contains Goverdhan block; Mant
Cluster contains Mant and Naujheel Block and Gokul
Cluster contains Baldev and Raya Block.
Opportunities for tourism development in the Braj region

can be summarized into following –

• It is an internationally recognised pilgrimage destination in Uttar Pradesh

• The culturally and naturally rich region with spiritual importance
• Rich and diverse folklore
• Land of divine leelas of Krishna and Radha
5.2 Tourist Footfall

Over 56 million pilgrims/tourists (UP tourism statistics report 2018) visit this small geographical area
having a spread of around 3340 sq. km. Uttar Pradesh, as a tourist destination, has been attracting
approximately 12.20% of the foreign tourist traffic to India. Tourism trends for the year 2013-2018 are
as follows:
Table 14: Tourist Inflow in the Braj region

Year Indian Foreign Total
2013 32007500 55560 32063060
2014 32280000 56910 32336910
2015 46381500 90870 46472370
2016 46647500 91460 46738960
2017 50680950 96875 50777825
2018 55934450 103251 56037701
As the region got better connectivity through road (Yamuna express highway) and rail (Broad gauge
line). The tourist inflow increased at a good pace. The important destinations of the Braj region fall
along the North-South Corridor, Golden Triangle Tourism circuit, which is the most frequented by
international tourists traveling from Delhi – Agra – Jaipur.
5.3 Tourism Circuits

Tourists usually visit in the Braj region in order to perform parikramas (circuits) linking major religious
places around the region. Some of these parikramas are enlisted below:
Figure 22: Tourism Circuits of BRAJ Region
▪ Vraja - Mandala (84

Kos)
▪ Vrindavan Parikrama
▪ Goverdhan
Parikrama
▪ Ramdal Parikrama
▪ Panchteerth
Parikrama
▪ Mathura Parikrama
▪ Barsana Parikrama
▪ Nandgaon Parikrama

The major parikrama is 84 kos (270 Kms) is mainly begins in Chaitra and Baisakh month as per Hindu
calendar. Since the pilgrimage were the four Adobes of Hinduism. Which was spread in the North,
South, East, and West of the country. In order to fulfill his aged parents desire Krishna summoned all
the divine aspects of these places of worship and brought them to Vrindavan within a 300- km radius
and blessed the land. The total duration for the parikrama yatra by barefoot is around one month with
having many padav sthals in between.
5.4 Significant Tourist Sites in Braj Region
Braj Region comprises of Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, Gokul, Goverdhan, Barsana, Mant, and
Mahavan. The tourist sites and circuits are distributed through the aforesaid cities.
5.4.1 Mathura Figure 23: Sri Krishna Janambhoomi temple (Source:

wikipedia.com)
Mathura (or Brajbhoomi) is popular as the
birthplace of Lord Krishna, an important deity
in the Hindu religious pantheon. It is an
essential pilgrim place of the Hindus and one
of the seven sacred cities in India. The main
pilgrim center in Mathura is the Shri Krishna
Janmabhoomi temple.
The Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi (birthplace of

Lord Krishna) is the main attraction of
Mathura and an important pilgrim place of the
Hindus. A stone slab marks the original spot of
the birth of Lord Krishna. The earlier Kesava
Deo temple had the room where Lord Krishna
was born. According to legend, Lord Krishna
was born in a small prison room where the
tyrant ruler Kansa held his parent’s captive.
The Archeological Museum of Mathura is an important place to visit. It houses an excellent collection
of sculptures belonging to the ancient Mathura school of art. The Vishram Ghat, on river Yamuna, is
another place to visit in Mathura. It is said that Lord Krishna had killed the tyrant Kansa here. The Sati
Burj, Kans Qila, Jama Masjid, and Dwarkadheesh temple are other places to see in Mathura.
Figure 24: The Archaeological Museum Mathura and the Vishram Ghat Mathura

5.4.2 Vrindavan
The name 'Vrindavan' is said to have been derived from 'Vrinda', another name for the sacred tulsi
(basil) plant. A legend has it that the entire place was a tulsi grove at one time. According to another
tradition, it was named after Vrinda Devi, one of Krishna's playmates. Vrindavan is primarily a place of
temples around 4,000 in numbers, which include several private shrines and sattras (houses for the
distribution of alms), they are spread on a 10 km stretch. The earliest known shrine in Vrindavan is said
to have been built by the local gosains in a large garden called Nidhivan, later named Seva Kunj.
Pagal Baba Temple is a beautiful and

magnificent structure located on Mathura - Figure 25: Pagal Baba Temple Vrindavan
Vrindavan road. This is one of the prime
temples in Vrindavan. Built by a saint
named Pagal Baba (Sri Sheela Nand Ji
Maharaj), this temple is devoted to Lord
Krishna. Pagal Baba Temple is an important
piece of modern architecture. This is an
eleven storied temple built with white
marble. It presents a beautiful view of the
city of Vrindavan from its topmost floor. The
temple is famous for its puppet exhibition
on the ground floor. The puppets play
scenes from the great Epics, Mahabharata
and Ramayana. The temple is decorated by
the followers of Pagal Baba during Holi and
Janmashtami.
Source: vrindavantourism.in
Sri Bankey Bihari Mandir is one of the Figure 26: Bankey Bihari Temple
popular Vrindavan temples situated near
Radhavallabh Temple in the holy city of
Vrindavan. This temple is among the 7
temples of Thakur of Vrindavan including Sri
Radhavallabh Ji, Sri Govind Dev Ji, and four
others. The presiding deity of the temple is
Lord Krishna. The deity was originally
worshipped by Haridas Swami under the
name of Kunji-Bihari at Nidhivan. The idol of
is much older and was worshipped in
Nidhivan till 1863. The current temple was
built in 1864 by Swami Haridas of the
Nimbarka Sampradaya. Later, the deity of
Radha Rani was added to the temple. The
Bankey Bihari temple is amongst the holiest
and famous temples of Lord Krishna.
People from different parts of the country
come here to celebrate the festivals. Source: brajdarshan.in

The Govind Dev Temple was built by Raja Figure 27: Govind Dev Temple
Man Singh, the ruler of Amber, Rajasthan in
1590 at a cost of ten million rupees. It is an
astonishingly beautiful seven storey temple
dedicated to Govind Dev, another name for
Lord Krishna. The temple was partially
destroyed by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb in
1670, and now only a three-storied
structure remains. The architecture of the
temple is different from those of
conventional temples. This temple reflects
the architectural elements of Western,
Hindu and Muslim style. The temple was
designed in the form of a Greek cross and Source: indiaholiday.com
was made using red sandstone.
At a distance of 1 km from Vrindavan Figure 28: Madan Mohan Temple

Railway Station, Madan Mohan Temple is
one of the oldest temples in Vrindavan and
is located near the Kali Ghat. Established by
Sanatana Goswami, the deity of Madan
Mohan was originally known as Madana
Gopala. Worshiped along with Madana
Mohan are Radharani and Lalita Sakhi.
Krishna Dasa took care of the temple after
Sanatana Goswami. The original Deity of
Madan Mohan was discovered at the base
of an old banyan tree by Advaita Acharya
when he visited Vrindavan. The original
image of Lord Madan Gopala was shifted
from the shrine to Jaipur for safekeeping
during Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's rule. Source: vrindavanonline.in
Lying at a distance of 2 km from Vrindavan Figure 29: Shri Krishna Balaram Mandir
Railway Station, ISKCON Temple, also
known as Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, is a
popular temple situated in Raman Reti,
Vrindavan. This is one of the main ISKCON
temples in India. The ISKCON Temple was
built in the year 1975 and inaugurated on
the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami.
The foundation of the temple was laid by
Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON.
It was the first temple to be constructed by
the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness (ISKCON). The beautiful
white marbled ISKCON temple has three Source: templeadvisor.com
sanctums.

The Sri Ranganath or Rangaji Temple is one Figure 30: The Rangaji Temple
of the biggest temples in the region and is
dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess
Lakshmi. The construction of this temple
began in 1845 and was completed in 1851,
at a cost of 45 lakhs rupees. It was built by
Seth Radha Krishna and Seth Govindadasa
of Chennai. It is one of Vrindavan's largest
temples and is built in South Indian
architecture with eight gopuras built in
Dravidian style. The deity in the temple is
called Sri Ranganatha and is represented in
sleeping posture on Shesh Nag.
Source: wikipedia.com
5.4.3 Nandgaon
The small town is believed to be the home of Shri Nandji the foster father of Lord Krishna. It has a
temple of Nand Rai on the crest of the hill. The town is largely visited for attractions like Yashoda
Nandan, Nritya Gopal, Narsingha, Kadam, UdhavKyari. A little further is a lake named Pan Sarovar
where Shri Krishna’s cattle used to drink water.
Figure 31: Nand Sarovar (left), Nand Rai Temple, Nandgaon
Source: mytemplesindia.com
5.4.4 Gokul
As per Hindu mythology, this pastoral village about 10 Kms from Mathura was where lord grew up in
secrecy. With coming of august Gokul witnesses the unprecedented celebration of Krishna
Janmashtami and Nandotsav. The major attraction in Gokul is Dauji temple, Raja Thakur temple,
Yogmaya temple, Gopal Lalji temple, Nandbhawan.
Figure 32: Yog Maya Temple (Left), Dauji Temple (Right)
Source: iskconvrindavan.com

5.4.5 Goverdhan
The small town of Goverdhan is settled on the hill named “Giriraj” as per legend this mountain by
young Krishna for seven days on his little finger to save Braj people from torrential rainfalls caused
by Indra. Other major attractions include Kusum Sarovar, UddhavKund, the temple of Hari dev,
Chandra Sarovar (Parasauli) – associated with great poet Surdas and Mukhrai, Radhaji’s
grandmother house.
Figure 33: Kusum Sarovar, Goverdhan(Source: brajdiscovery.org)
Figure 34: Giriraj Hill, Goverdhan aerial view

5.4.6 Barsana
Hindu believes that this place was home to Radha Rani the soulmate of Lord Krishna. Among the
numerous temples which dot the area, the most prominent is Radha Rani temple. Other places to
visit are Jaipur temple, Peeli Pokhar, Mann mandir, Sankari Khor, Dangarh, and Mor-Kuti, Roop
Sarovar, Prem Sarovar. The major celebration here is the birth of Radha Rani. Barsana is also known
for its lavish celebration of Lathmar Holi.
Figure 35: Jaipur Temple, Barsana (Source: brajdiscovery.org)
Figure 36: Maan Mandir, Barsana (Source: brajdiscovery.org)

5.4.7 Mahavan
Known for the shrine of Mathuranath, this town is located 14 Kms away from Mathura. The temple
of chhathipalna use to be the residence of Baldev mother Rohini. Mahavan is dotted with various
shrines and temples – Yog Maya temple, Shayamlalji, Ramanreti, Brahmand Ghat, Chintaharan
Mahadev. The magnificent chaurasi khamba is not to be missed.
Figure 37: Bhramand Ghat (left), Chintaharan Mahadev temple Mahavan (right) (Source: brajdiscovery.org)
5.5 Institutional Framework for Promotion of Tourism Activities

Tourism has been declared as an industry in Uttar Pradesh and the state has also set up a Directorate
of Tourism Development. A review of the Directorate’s activities indicate the undertaking of following
roles: acting as a catalyst for tourism development and promotion; promoting, facilitation and where
necessary providing tourism infrastructure and tourist facilities and services ; undertaking planning,
pioneering, joint explorer functions; regulating the sector in the area of law and order, tourist police,
handling of complaints, standardization of tourism goods and services; promoting the state within
India and in overseas; association with central and other agencies; and enhancing laws and regulations
to provide consumer protection through licensing and inspection of establishments (other than those
registered with the MoT) engaged in providing services to the tourists. The state of Uttar Pradesh, has
a centralized system of tourism development under the Department of Tourism, however, the
decentralised approach has been adopted through the involvement of development authorities and
local bodies.
The legal framework governing the role of the state in the tourism sector is based mainly on state
Government Orders (GOs) and in some cases Acts of the State Parliament. Where these acts exist, it
is observed that they are quite dated and no longer relevant to current or emerging conditions –
especially as they relate to partnering with other government agencies for the sustainable use and
management of public cultural and natural heritage assets of importance of tourism, for tourism
infrastructure development, and with the private sector and the local communities in the provision,
operations, and maintenance of tourist facilities, services, and infrastructure as well as marketing and
regulation.
5.6 Summary
Braj has always been a religious pilgrimage where people come in search of peace and spirituality.
Being the birthplace of Shri Krishna and many other religious beliefs, Braj attracts millions of tourist

throughout the year. The tourist fall includes domestic as well as international tourist. Also falling
within the Golden Triangle of NewDelhi- Jaipur-Agra, the tourist visit in the region has increased.
Yamuna Expressway has also played a vital role in increasing the tourist inflow as it reduces the travel
time between Delhi and Agra via Mathura. Braj region comprises of many religious spots such as
Mathura, Vrindavan, Goverdhan, Barsana, etc. All of them have a spiritual and religious link within
them. Other than the tangible resources, the non-tangible assets in tourism also attract tourist from
all age groups such as Chaurasi Kos (84 Kos) Parikrama, Festivals like Holi, Janmashtami etc. The living
culture of the region also attracts people from national and international boundaries. Vans (forests)
being the major attraction as per the mythological beliefs, the region has a huge potential to revive
the forests and to improve the river vicinity in order to maintain and attracts more tourist.

6 PHYSICAL FEATURES & ENVIRONMENT
6.1 Climate
The area experiences Figure 38: Average Temperature Distribution in Mathura District (Source:
meteoblue.com)
sub-humid to dry
climate with a mean
annual rainfall of 650
mm. There are three
distinct seasons
namely summer,
monsoon and winter.
The bulk of annual
rainfall occurs through
south-western
monsoon during the
period of July to
September (IMD,
2005). August is the
wettest month with
the maximum number
of rainy days.
Summers are quite
warm with an average Figure 39: Average Climate condition in Mathura District (Source:
meteoblue.com)
temperature of 41°C
which occasionally
shoot upto 45°C. The
maximum daily
duration of bright
sunshine hours is 10.6
h which is observed
during May month.
The month of January
is the coldest when
the temperature goes
down to 10°C or even
less occasionally. Wind
velocity is pretty high
over the year with an
average annual value
of 6.3 kmph and going
as high as 8.5 kmph
during April.
6.2 Topography
The region mainly lies in the Indo-Gangetic plain of almost uniform topography. Except for the hilly
tracts of Rajasthan, the remaining area comes under Indo-Gangetic alluvium of Quarternary age of
variable thickness ranging between 200 - 300 meter inventoried in different parts of Mathura district

show that the alluvial sediments constitute of different grades of sand and clay with Kankar in varying
proportion. Kankar is a local name of calcareous concentrations of nodular limestone. It is found on
both sides of the river Yamuna. Two principal aquifers have been encountered over the area. The first
one lies between 30-80 meter and the second one between 125-175 meter below the ground. Deeper
aquifers contain saline/brackish groundwater. The fresh groundwater potential of the area is limited.
The groundwater in shallow aquifer occurs under unconfined state while in a deeper zone it lies under
semi-confined to confined state. The depth to water table over the district lies between 5-10 meter
below ground during the pre-monsoon season, with an average rise ranging between 0.5-1.0 meter
during post monsoon.
6.2.1 Soil, Geology, and Geomorphology
The area is part of the western fringe of Ganga alluvial plain and slopes gently towards the east and
along the drainage lines. The following geomorphological units have been delineated. The study is
based on the visual interpretation of LAND SAT data and IRS IA DATA (Rai and Sinha 1992). The main
three geomorphic units identified in the district are:
▪ Younger Alluvium Plain- Younger alluvium plain is mainly restricted to present river course and
mainly represented by sand and loam.
▪ Older Alluvium Plain- This unit is mainly characterized by yellow clay, kankar, and Reh.
▪ Relict mountains, hills, and Ridges
Table 15: Soil and Climate statistic of region

SOIL & CLIMATE
Agro-climatic Zone Upper Gangetic Plains /South-Western Plains (Zone 5)
Climate Semi-Arid - Hot Summers, Scattered Rainfall
Soil Type Alluvial, Sandy and Clay Loam
6.2.2 Lithology
These relict mountains are present at Goverdhan, Barsana, etc. and belong to Delhi Supergroup. Here
slopes are very high and they form mostly run off zone. Besides these mentioned landforms, these are
some windblown Aeolian landforms i.e. sand dunes and sand sheets.
6.2.3 Hydrology & Drainage
River Yamuna is the major river that flows through the Braj region. It serves the region for drinking
water and other ancillary activities.
The area is underlain by unconsolidated sediments which are deposited uncomfortably over the Pre-
Cambrian basement Delhi System. The shallow aquifer group occurs down to a depth of 50.0 mbgl
whereas deep aquifers group exist between the depth ranges of 135 - 185 mbgl. The aquifer material
is generally composed of fine to medium grained sand. Kankars are invariably associated with sand
and clay in older alluvium plain. Groundwater occurs under unconfined to semi-confined conditions
in the shallow aquifer group and semi confined to a confined condition in the deep aquifer group.

Table 16: Rainfall and Groundwater of Braj region

RAINFALL & GROUND WATER
Normal 2009 2010 2011
Rainfall [in Actual
620 442 826 424
mm]
Variation from Normal -178 206 -196
Availability of Net annual recharge Net annual draft Balance
Ground Water
[Ham] 97424.36 74134.22 19531.71
The drainage of the district is controlled by river Yamuna and it's tributary i. e. Patwaha which become
flooded and torrential during monsoon. The Yamuna is a perennial river which enters in the region at
village chaundras (in tehsil Chhata) and follows a meandering course from north to south forming the
boundary between eastern tehsil Mat and western tehsil of Chhata and Mathura. Its banks are sandy
and low but as the river advances southwards they become steeper and ravenous and sandhills begin
to intermingle with the sandy slopes. The cultivation on the banks bordering the ravines is poor, the
ravines themselves being devoid of vegetation and pitted with modular limestone.
6.3 Natural Resources & Heritage
6.3.1 Forests & Groves
Traditionally the forests of Figure 40: Forests as per a Vedic Description of the Braj Region(Source:
holydham.com)
Braj have been graded
into Vans, Upvans,
Adhivans, and Prativans.
The entire Braj region was
largely a forest area with
little habitation. Over 137
forests/groves are
mentioned in the Braj
Bhakti Vilasa – a 15th-
century book – written by
Narayan Bhatt. Currently,
there is no trace of the
physical existence of these
forests at most of the
places, yet they very much
exist in the folklore,
tradition and religious
mythology. Many of the
modern-day settlements
bear their name derived
from the erstwhile forests
which existed once.
Strikingly, the forest-cover of Mathura w.r.to its geographical area is a mere 0.47% which is interesting
even lower than that of the desert district of Barmer of Rajasthan (2%). These forests are still the

major drivers of tourism traffic in Braj especially the Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatras. They all have folklore
associated with the places and if developed in a seamless fashion considering their sacred cosmology,
they can become the single most important attraction for tourists.
6.3.2 Mounds & Hills

Mounds are a specialized feature of the region which has tremendous archaeological importance
belonging to the Buddhist era. Hillocks of magnificent beauty exist in the Nandgaon block of the
district. Apart from the NadishwarParvat at Nandgaon, BrahmanchalParvat at Barsana and
GirirajParvat at Goverdhan, the Ashta Sakhi hills starting from Uncha Gaon and ending uptoDabhala
(in UP) and going further into Rajasthan can be developed into magnificent cultural landscapes –
comprising of lush green pasture lands, dense forests – and other tourist paraphernalia in tune with
the cultural landscapes of Bamiyan Valley of Afghanistan which has now been declared as a World
Heritage Site.
6.3.3 River and Other Water Bodies

i. River
River Yamuna passes through the Region. Where Mathura lies in the west of the river and Vrindavan
on the Eastern Banks of the river. According to legend the river Yamuna became pavitra or pure and
holy when it rose to touch the feet of the infant Krishna when he was being ferried across from
Mathura to Gokul by his father Vasudev. Today, it remains pure only in name.
ii. Kunds
Man-made small water bodies known as kunds dating back to the 5th to the 15th century served as
important sources of freshwater in this region, culturally known as Braj. The significance of kunds was
huge and went beyond the social and the spiritual. There were more than 1000 kunds in Braj, all of
which were sources of fresh water in the past. The water was used for multiple purposes such as
irrigation, domestic use, drinking, etc. Due to rapid urbanisation, a lack of maintenance and prolonged
negligence in the last 200 years, 80 percent of the kunds became silted up and were relegated to
gradual extinction.
There are about 300 kunds existing today. Out of them, 108 kunds have been surveyed by The Braj
Foundation, U.P., and India which is a voluntary organization working for the all-round development
of Braj.
Figure 41: Potara Kund (Left), Kusum Sarovar Mathura (Right)
Source: nativeplanet.com

6.4 Summary
Braj region, falling on the bank of holy river the Yamuna, has its the major area covered in alluvial soil.
On an average Braj experiences a temperature around 45-49'C in summer and below 10'C in winters,
with an annual rainfall of 650mm. The drainage of the district is controlled by river Yamuna and it's
tributary i. e. Patwaha which becomes flooded and torrential during monsoon. Mythologically, the
Braj region had huge land dedicate to Vans (Forests), Kunds and other natural features. But there is a
great decline in the state of forest that comprises of a very low percentage in the area. Also, the
number of kunds have decreased in the region, that too with deteriorating conditions.

7 LANDCOVER CHARACTERISTICS OF BRAJ REGION
Any development plan deals with the proper management and use of Land in the region. The land is
the primary concern when it comes to envisaging the future and analyzing the present situation of a
region. The existing Land cover of the region has been detailed out in further sections.
7.1 Jurisdictional Changes & Previous Efforts of Planned Development

Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad has been constituted under the Uttar Pradesh Braj Niyojan
Aur Vikas Board (Sanshodhan) Adhiniyam 2017 (U.P. Act No. 3 of 2017) for the preparation of a plan
for preserving, developing and maintaining the aesthetic quality of Braj heritage in all hues - cultural,
ecological and architectural, coordinating and monitoring the implementation of such plan and for
evolving harmonized policies for integrated tourism development and Heritage conservation and
management in the region, giving advice and guidance to any department/local body/authority in the
district of Mathura in respect of any plan, project or development proposals which affects or is likely
to affect the heritage resource of the Braj Region and for matters connected therewith or incidental
thereto.
7.2 Existing land cover
The existing Landcover of Figure 42: Land Use and Land Cover of the Braj Region (Source: Bhuvan)
the Braj region is
dominated by agriculture
cropland that constitutes
83% of the total land area.
Since, the area lies in the
Doab region of Ganga and
Yamuna, with the deposits
of alluvial encourages
agriculture in the region.
The cultivable area is
spread throughout the
district on either side of
river Yamuna. The portion,
east of river Yamuna is
agriculturally more
productive than the
western portion because
the eastern area mostly
contains alluvial soil
whereas in the western
portion the soil is generally
sandy. The land use
distribution of Mathura is
divided into developed and
undeveloped land by
Mathura municipal board.

Figure 43: Land use/Land Cover of the Braj Region

Builtup,Urban
Builtup,Rural
Landcover/Landuse
Builtup,Mining
Agriculture,Plantation
1% 3% 2%
3% Agriculture,Crop land
3%
Agriculture,Fallow
Forest,Deciduous
Forest,Scrub Forest
Forest,Forest Plantation
Grass/Grazing
Salt Affected land
Barren/unculturable/Wastelands,Gullied/Ravinous Land
86%
Scrub land
Inland Wetland
River/Stream/canals
Reservoir/Lakes/Ponds
Table 17: Land-use Statement of BRAJ Region

S. No. Landuse/Landcover Area (Sq km) Area in %
1 Built-up, Urban 84.62 2.53%
2 Built-up, Mining 0.52 0.02%
3 Agriculture Plantation 5.48 0.16%
4 Forest, Deciduous 20.38 0.61%
5 Forest, Scrub Forest 4.65 0.14%
6 Barren/unculturable/Wastelands, Salt Affected land 3.26 0.10%
7 Barren/unculturable/Wastelands, Gullied/Ravenous Land 5.73 0.17%
8 Barren/unculturable/Wastelands, Scrub land 16.33 0.49%
9 Inland Wetland 11.44 0.34%
10 River/Stream/canals 72.00 2.16%
11 Reservoir/Lakes/Ponds 7.30 0.22%
12 Built-up, Rural 113.79 3.41%
13 Agriculture, Crop land 2,875.83 86.11%
14 Agriculture, Fallow 115.87 3.47%
15 Forest, Forest Plantation 0.24 0.01%
16 Grass/Grazing 2.17 0.06%
Total 3,339.61 100.00%
As can be seen from the graph and table shown above, an area of 200 sq km falls in the category of
built-up comprising of rural (113.79 sq. km.) and urban areas ( 84.62 sq. km.). The agricultural area in the
BRAJ Region (including Plantation, Crop land and Fallow land) is approximately 89.75% of the total
land available in the region. Water bodies within the region accumulate to a total of 80 sq. km. which
comprises of river, streams, ponds, canals, etc. Along the river bed, an area on 3 sq km is salt-affected
land. As the region majorly contains Kankar, mining comes out to be nil.

7.3 Developable and Non-Developable Area

The developed land in BRAJ Planning Area is about 68% and undeveloped land is about 32% of the
total area. Mountainous regions, present in Goverdhan Barsana, etc. are not suitable for any kind of
development, and are known as Undevelopable land or barren steep slopes. Agricultural crop land
comprises of 86% of the entire area. The land used for agriculture can be taken up for development
while making proper provisions for alternative livelihoods for the farmers. The area is part of the
western fringe of Ganga alluvial plain and slopes gently towards the east and along the drainage lines.
Apart from this 3% of the entire region agricultural fallow land while 5% of the area is already
developed out of which 3% is rural development and 2% is urban development. Forest area consists
of 1-2% of the entire area. Thus, in order to maintain the ecological balance, the land area under
forests shall be reserved and protected (in an ideal scenario). Out of the land that can be made
available for development, those with a slope greater than 45 degrees cannot be considered suitable
for development.
7.4 Peri-urban areas and urban villages

As a specific and non-neutral space, a peri-urban area refers to a transition or interaction zone, where
urban and rural activities are juxtaposed, and landscape features are subject to rapid modifications,
induced by human activities. A peri-urban area is not only a zone of direct impact experiencing the
immediate impacts of land demands from urban growth and pollution but is also a wider market-
related zone of influence that is recognizable in terms of the handling of agricultural and natural
resource products. When urban area grows in a disordered manner and sprawl to peri-urban areas,
this process can be referred to as peri-urbanization. Peri-urbanization can be regarded both as a driver
and an effector of global environmental changes. Observing land use and land cover change over time
can perceive the effects and impacts of urbanization on peri-urban areas.
The concept of urban villages was formally born in Britain in the late 1980s with the establishment of
Figure 44: Peri urban areas the Urban Villages Group (UVG). Urban villages also
come in the form of suburbs of metropolitan areas
that are politically designated as villages. In urban
planning and design, an urban village is an urban
development typically characterized by medium-
density housing, mixed-use zoning, good public
transit and an emphasis on pedestrianization and
public space. Urban villages are seen to provide an
alternative to recent patterns of urban
development in many cities, especially
decentralization and urban sprawl.
Source: Research gate
They are generally purported to:

• Reduce car reliance and promote cycling, walking and transit use
• Provide a high level of self-containment (people working, recreating and living in the same area)
• Help facilitate strong community institutions and interaction

7.5 Summary
Majority of the land in Mathura district is agriculture land as the region falls on the Doab region of
Yamuna River. Only 5% of the entire region is developed. Since the region has strong rural character
efforts shall be made to preserve the rural character of the region. Also, there is a potential to create
strong rural-urban linkages in the region which would help in balancing the growth of urban areas.

8 INFRASTRUCTURE PROFILE OF BRAJ REGION

Physical Infrastructure plays a vital role in the development of any region. Braj region caters to a huge
amount of floating population every year due to its religious and tourism importance. The larger goals
and agendas for development shall have to focus on the physical structures such as transport and road
networks, electricity, water supply, irrigation, and stormwater infrastructure. At the same time, Social
infrastructure shall also be given equal importance with special focus given to health and education
which are an important driver of the development process.
8.1 PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
8.1.1 Road & Transportation Infrastructure
The presence of National Highway 2, also called Delhi Kolkata Road and six-lane controlled-access
Yamuna Expressway running from Greater Noida to Agra, provides sublime connectivity to the region
with rest of the places. However, the absence of a local Airport in Mathura and a greater distance
from international airport i.e. Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi regresses the
connectivity to some extent.
Figure 45: Road Connectivity of Braj Region
Source: Google Maps
i. Roads
The Braj Region has major road access nodes from five areas i.e. from Delhi via Kosi Kalan, Hathras,
Alwar, Bharatpur, and Agra. Mathura has good road connectivity among the city, towns, and villages

through national highways, state highway, major district roads, other district roads, urban roads, and
village roads. The most prominent access link is the Delhi Agra route, National Highway 2 passing
through Mathura, which has been converted into North-South Expressway with six-lane toll-way. The
other important link is the Yamuna Expressway or Taj Expressway, which is an access controlled 6 lane
expressway whose greater part lies in the Braj region and connects Greater Noida with Agra. Major
roads in the BRAJ Region have been listed below:
Table 18: Road category and length in the region

Sr No Category Name of the Road Length (km)
1 NH Delhi Kolkata Road 82.78
2 SH Pilibhit Bareli Bharatpur Marg 50.30
3 MDR Kosi Nandgaon Govardhan Shokh Marg 49.60
4 MDR Chhata Shergarh Bajna Gomat Marg 34.18
5 MDR Mathura Brindavan Naujheel Marg 45.62
6 MDR Mathura Sadabad Marg 24.00
7 MDR Mathura Deeng Marg 27.46
Source: Public Work Department, Uttar Pradesh
The inter-state / intra-state bus terminals are located at Mathura, Vrindavan, Kosi, Goverdhan,
Chahta, Nandgaon, Shergarh, Mat, and Naujheel. The Mathura City in the Braj Region alone caters to
more than 100 buses being operated by the UPSRTC to various part within and outside the region.
Around 400 trips are being made per day by these buses of which around 80 trips are alone for Agra.
(Tourism Master Plan of Braj Region, 2009) The mode of commuting within the city is mostly from
Private vehicles i.e. two-wheeler and four-wheeler, intermediate public transport (IPT) such as E-
rickshaw, Autorickshaw, etc. There is an absence of city bus services within the urban area but rural
areas are well connected with the state-run transport system.
ii. Railway
A busy broad-gauge double track electrified rail line from Delhi to South India bifurcates at Mathura
into westbound (Mumbai) and southbound (Chennai) transit. Also, there is a broad-gauge single-track
line from Agra to Jaipur via Mathura and Alwar. The railway station Mathura Junction (MTJ) is well
connected to a number of Indian Cities with more than 200 train arrivals in a week. Thus, Mathura
could be not only a junction for transit transportation for goods and people but also a major rail traffic
monitoring center.
iii. Air Transport
The nearest domestic airport to the Braj region is in Agra which is approximately 60 kms from the
Mathura City. The Airport doubles up as a military base and is one of the biggest airbases of the Indian
Air Force. Carriers like Air India serve Agra Airport, operation flights to domestic destinations like Delhi,
Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and more. At present, about 35 domestic flights depart from Agra
Airport weekly.1
1
Online Source: https://www.skyscanner.co.in

The nearest International airport located from the Braj Region is Indira Gandhi International Airport,
New Delhi, which is approximately 160 kms and it takes about 3 hours to reach to the Mathura City
from the Airport.
8.1.2 Water Supply
Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (UPJN) is responsible for the construction & production and Nagar Palika
Parishad (NPP) is responsible for the distribution, operation, and maintenance of water supply system
and its schemes handed over to them by UPJN. The source of water supply to the city is both surface
and underground water. The river Yamuna passing through the city is the source of surface water.
However, surface water supply is limited; Mathura is still depending upon the underground sources
to a major extent in order to meet the needs of domestic, commercial and also for industrial purpose.
Underground sources are utilized through 73 bore wells of different capacities are able to supply 25
MLD.
Figure 46: Sources of water supply in the Braj region
2%
Water Sources Tapwater from treated source
11% Tapwater from

21% un-treated source
Covered well
Un-covered well
8%
Handpump
1%
8% Tubewell/Borehole
49%
Spring
i. Sources of Water
The major source of water for the region is hand pump i.e. 49.3 % as per census 2011. Followed by tap
water from a treated water source.
ii. Water Supply Network

Construction of Gokul Barrage on river Yamuna for providing drinking water to Agra, Mathura and
Vrindavan towns was taken up in the year 1990 and has since been completed. At present, the surface
water production is 100 MLD at Gokul Barrage, some 15 Kms downstream from Mathura, whereas the
NPP is able to supply 10 MLD out of the total production due to insufficient collection and distribution
system. The water drawn from both the sources is treated and stored in these elevated and surface
reservoirs, tanks and finally supplied to the consumers daily. A number of individual tap connections
existing in the city are around 22,000 (domestic, commercial, industrial, etc.) and these connections
are not metered.

iii. Existing Demand & Supply

The present water demand for the region at a standard of 135 lpcd is 3,37,50,000 liters.
8.1.3 Sewerage and Sanitation
In Mathura, there are 06 STPs of 59 MLD cumulative capacity, out of these 04 STPs are oxidation pond
and 02 are UASB (Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket). The average capacity utilization of STP
infrastructure is approximately 50%. The major issue is an underutilization of STP capacity because all
the drains are not diverted to the STPs. Out of existing 06 STPs, 02 STPs (01 in Vrindavan and 01 in
Govardhan) are achieving the prescribed norms. The remaining 04 STPs (02 in Mathura, 01 in
Vrindavan and 01 in Govardhan) are based on oxidation pond technology and they need to be
upgraded.
Open sewer drain network collects the wastewater and sent them to Sewerage Treatment Plants (STP)
for treatment. The inner-city septic tanks and sewer networks have become defunct due to poor
maintenance and the sewer finds the roadside open drains and finally discharged into Yamuna River
directly causing serious water pollution. Also, there are no separate drains for stormwater, creating
pressure on the existing sewer network during the rainy season.
8.1.4 Solid Waste Management
Mathura has been awarded as the Fastest Moving City in the Medium Category of 3-10 lakh population
in Swachh Sarvekshan Ranking 2019. The city has also been able to achieve 100% door to door garbage
collection in all its wards. However, at present the Mathura Nagar Municipal Corporation collects the
municipal waste of entire Mathura City and dumps in a solid waste disposal site in at Koluka Nagla,
Laxmi Nagar in Mathura in a non-scientific manner and the practice is not in compliance with the
guidelines of the MSW Rules. A municipal solid waste processing plant at Baldev Road, Mathura is
underway, of capacity to process 180 tonnes per day of waste. It is also proposed that a portion of the
MSW would be processed for manufacturing RDF that shall be supplied as a source of generation of
thermal energy as a replacement of coal.
Two projects under Namami Gange Program are sanctioned, in Mathura and Vrindavan for sewerage
upgradation and renovation of STPs costing Rs. 460 crores and Rs. 30 crores in Mathura and Vrindavan
respectively.
8.1.5 Power
In Uttar Pradesh, the electricity is supplied by Uttar Pradesh Corporation Limited to nearly 2 crores
consumers with a total connected load of 50918 MW. In Mathura, the total number of consumers as
on 31st March 2018 is 3,72,562 and the district has a total of 65 substations of 33/11 KV with a capacity
of 720 MVA installed at present. In the rural region, complete 730 villages in the district have already
been electrified by L.T. mains.

Figure 47: Consumer and Load details of Mathura district

400000 1200
350000
1000
No. of Consumers
300000
Load (in MW)

800
250000
200000 600
150000
400
100000
200
50000
0 0
2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18
Consumers Load (in MW)
Source: Statistics at Glance 2017-18, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited
As per the approved tariff in 2017-18 the energy charge for domestic use in Rural area is a minimum
of 3.00/ kWh for first 100 units per month upto a maximum of 5.50/ kWh for units above 500 per
month while for Urban areas, it is a minimum of 4.90/ kWh for first 100 units per month upto a
maximum of 6.50/ kWh for units above 500 per month.
Figure 48: Comparison of electricity tariff state wise

8
Electricity tariff (in ₹ / unit)
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Slab 1 Slab 2 Slab 3 Slab 4
Uttar Pradesh Delhi Haryana Uttarakhand
Source: https://www.bijlibachao.com/news/domestic-electricity-lt-tariff-slabs-and-rates-for-all-states-in-india-in.html

8.2 SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Social infrastructure including health infrastructure and education infrastructure is the basic
requirement for providing quality life and has a significant role in promoting growth and
competitiveness in the economy. The following section explains the current level of elements that
forms the education and health infrastructure in the Braj region.
8.2.1 Education
Mathura is a hub for higher order educational facilities for the Braj region with the presence of
proficient institutes like GLA University, R.K. Group of Institutions, long-dated Pandit Dindayal
Upadhyaya Veterinary University, etc. A total of 74 colleges are present in the district including one
State College and 8 State Aided colleges, offering a variety of courses in Science, Commerce,
Management, Art, and Law. Although there is an absence of Medical college in the district and the
nearest Medical College is in Agra at 56 km distance.
Table 19: No. of schools

Sr No Type Schools (Urban) Schools (Rural) Total As per URDPFI
1 Primary School 646 982 1628 509
2 Middle School 284 699 983
339
3 Secondary School 121 238 359
Source: Census of India 2011
The region is having enough basic education (up to 10+2) facilities when compared to the norms but
it reports2 to have great spatial variations in the children’s attainment in primary education at the
block level where Farah and Goverdhan blocks have the attainment of children in the primary school
of less than 85%.
8.2.2 Health
Mathura is now holding its competitive edge in the hospital sector and has 75 hospitals with 1706 bed
capacity along with one District hospital. It also has a Tuberculosis clinic, nursing home, and female
welfare center along with several private clinics and nursing homes, active in providing medical service
to the people of the region and outside. There also are several homeopathy and ayurvedic clinics
present, especially in Mathura City. The state also has the exemplary facility for anywhere ambulance
by dialing 108 and 102 for pregnant ladies which also is widely popular in the Braj region.
Table 20: Health facilities available
Sr No Health Facilities No of Units
1 Anganwadis 1639
2 Primary Health Centres 29
3 Primary Health Sub-Centres 215
4 Dispensaries NA
5 Hospitals 75
6 Hospital Beds 1706
Source: Census of India 2011
2
Source: Research Paper, Author Kapil Kaushik, “Problems and Prospects of primary education in Mathura
district: A geographical analysis

However, water borne and air borne diseases in the area show increasing trends especially due to the
large population living in slum areas in unsanitary conditions and also the presence of high levels of
particulate matter in the air, which therefore continuously poses extreme pressure over the limited
healthcare resources.
8.3 Summary
The entire BRAJ area has good connectivity within the region as well as with other parts of the country.
However, the absence of an airport in Mathura regresses the connectivity up to some extent. In terms
of water supply, half the region gets water through hand pump and the region still depends on
groundwater to some extent. In the case of sewerage and solid waste management, the scenario is
not so promising in terms of service delivery. When it comes to education, the region has enough basic
education facilities, which still needs to be verified on the ground, during our Primary Household
surveys. In terms of health facilities, the region has an exemplary facility for anywhere ambulance by
dialing 108 and 102 for pregnant ladies which also is widely popular in the Braj region.

9 SOCIAL AND CULTURAL PROFILE OF BRAJ REGION
9.1 Fairs and Festivals

Braj is known for its religious celebrations and attracting huge pilgrims all around the year. This city is
filled with religious prayers, festivals, and fairs throughout the years. There is some or the other
celebrations which continue to attract people from the entire world. Some of such famous festivals
and fairs are as follows:
1. Barsana or 'Latthmar' Holi is celebrated at Barsana (48 km from Mathura). As the legend goes,
Lord Krishna used to visit Barsana with his friends (Gopas) to play Holi with his beloved Radha and
her friends (Gopis). While playing, the gopas were chased by the gopis with 'Lathis' (bamboo) in
their hands, thus giving rise to the 'Latthmar Holi' of Barsana. The festival is celebrated with
colored powder and colored water at the Ladliji temple, dedicated to Sri Radha Rani.
Figure 49: Latthmaar Festival Barsana
(Source: indiatravels.com)
2. Krishna Janmashtami in the months of July/August is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna
and thousands of devotees crowd the place from all over the country. Holi is also celebrated with
as much enthusiasm.
3. Goverdhan Puja is known as the Annakut and is considered as the day when Lord Krishna defeated
Indra dev. This is celebrated on the 4th day from Diwali.
4. Once a year there is a grand car festival (Ratha Yatra) known as Brahmotsava during the month of
Chaitra (March-April). This festival lasts for 10 days. According to mythology, this Rath Yatra
symbolizes the Suryanarayana (The Sun God) nature of Lord Jagannath. During the Rath Yatra, it
is believed that Lord Shri Jagannath, Devi (Goddess) Subhadra and Lord Thakur Shri Balaram visit
their devotees and bless them as they tour through the city seated in their Chariots.
5. After Barsana, Holi is also celebrated at Baldeo (the town named after Balram; 20 km from
Mathura) and Nandgaon (7 km from Barsana).

9.2 Tourism Resources & Assets

The resources of the Braj region may broadly be divided into (a) cultural and (b) natural heritage
features. Its cultural heritage features may in turn be divided into tangible components such as pre-
historic and ancient archeological sites, historical buildings, monuments, and religious places and
temples, and intangible components or its living cultural heritage represented by its art and craft, its
music and dance traditions, its cuisine, and its religious belief systems. The natural heritage may be
divided into natural landscapes, floral landscapes, and fauna. Representative examples of these
landscapes are usually presented as forests having religious/ mythological significance.
9.2.1 Temples, Architectural & Heritage Structures
Brajbhoomi is a land of temples. A very large number of temples dedicated to different deities and
belonging to various sects are spread over the entire region. Many beautiful and ancient temples,
descriptions of which can be found in manuscripts and religious texts of scholars, were destroyed
during Aurangzeb’s reign (1658-1707). Later, new temples were built at the original sites of the old
ones, but their architectural construction and size were altered.
The temples are maintained by devotees of various sects. Contributions for the maintenance and
improvement of the temples were made by philanthropists and devotees. Thousands of people visit
these temples every year, and some facilities need to be provided for them at the temples. Visitors
not conversant with the local language or familiar with the history or culture of the region can be
provided with brochures with detailed information about the temple and the deity. For those visitors
who are interested in the religious background of the temple, booklets to be prepared. Most of the
historical and traditional temples are located in Vrindavan and Mathura.
9.2.2 Kunds
Brajbhoomi is replete with kunds. Most of the Kunds and Sarovars have been built to demonstrate the
water bodies that are associated with Lord Krishna and have great religious significance. Many of them
are also interesting from the architectural and archeological points of view, though a lot of them are
in a dilapidated condition. They lack environmental maintenance, cleanliness, and preservation.
9.2.3 Ghats
The major Ghats in Brajbhoomi is in Mathura and Vrindavan and most of them have been constructed
at the place of religious importance for the convenience of pilgrims who want to bathe at the spots
which are associated with Lord Krishna. The river Yamuna itself is an extremely important religious
element. As a matter of fact, most of the Yatra activities begin at the Ghats at Mathura. The Ghats
here are practically used throughout the year. During the pilgrimage, the Yatra begins from the
Vishram Ghat at Mathura, where people take vows committing themselves to a specific code of
conduct. Vishram Ghat is considered to be the spot where Lord Krishna rested after killing the tyrant
Kansa. The Ghat gets overcrowded and people overflow into the market area. The Ghat has some
interesting architectural features. Besides its functional use, its value as an ancient example of
architecture should be recognized and preserved better. The Parikrama also culminates here where

thousands of pilgrim’s bathe renouncing the vows taken before the Yatras. On the second day after
Deepawali too, many pilgrims come to this Ghat for a holy dip.
Figure 50: Ghats along the River Yamuna
Source: brajdiscovery.org
9.3 Summary
The region has a very strong cultural and religious importance. Many festivals are celebrated
throughout the year to celebrate the “Krishna Leelas”. The tourism resources of the Braj Region are
divided into two parts i.e. Cultural and Heritage. Brajbhoomi has many temples dedicated to different
deities and belonging to various sects. The region also contains many Kunds and Ghats which have
significant religious and cultural importance in the history of the region.

10 REVIEW OF EXISTING STUDIES, POLICIES & REPORTS OF BRAJ

REGION
Study of existing reports and policies is a major step to develop an understanding of the area or the
project. In order to understand the Case study area, previous Case studies and reports were studied
in the Braj Region. The Literature reviewed are as follows:
▪ State Policy for Tourism Development

▪ Tourism Master Plan of Braj Region prepared by IL& FS and Braj Foundation for Mathura
Vrindavan Development Authority.
▪ Environmental Assessment report of Rehabilitation of Kunds in Braj Region.
▪ Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YIEDA)
10.1 STATE POLICY FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT:

The state tourism policy of Uttar Pradesh has certain specific objectives which need to be kept in mind
for any coordinated development programs for the region. These include:
▪ Tourism projects must be able to provide economic benefits to the local population and
enhance employment opportunities.
▪ Quality must be a key consideration for any project approval.
▪ The project must be integrated through a master plan.
▪ Projects must improve and diversify the tourism product base with the focus on adventure,
religious and monument-based traveler.
The specific targets within the tourism industry include:
▪ Increasing the hotel capacity of the region.
▪ Increasing the visitation numbers
▪ Enhancing the investment in the tourism industry.
▪ Increasing revenue per visitor through a superior visitor profile, better facilities and value
addition to the tourism products.
These aspirations as projected by the State Tourism Policy, have the following strategies for
development:
▪ Development of basic infrastructure as the key to attract tourism in the region.
▪ Importance of involving the private sector to pursue meaningful development plans
▪ Importance of planning tourists’ circuits through master planning.
▪ Dovetailing development funds from different sources.
▪ Restoration of heritage properties, since these form the key to tourism potential in the region.
▪ Importance of setting standards and quality benchmarks.
The State Tourism Policy also mentions themed circuits, which have to prioritize for development.
These include:
▪ Buddhist Circuits
▪ Bundelkhand Circuits
▪ Braj (Agra- Mathura) circuits
▪ Avadh Circuits
▪ Vindhya Circuits
▪ Water cruises Circuits (down the river Ganga)

10.2 TOURISM MASTER PLAN OF BRAJ REGION

Uttar Pradesh, as a tourist destination, has been attracting approximately 23% of the domestic tourist
traffic and 11.31% of the foreign tourist traffic to India. There has been an increase of 19.42% in the
domestic tourism in Uttar Pradesh, as compared to 26.07% of the nation as a whole. The increase in
foreign tourists in Uttar Pradesh shows an increase of 28.15%, as compared to the national increase
of 40.43%. The figures highlight the rapid growth rate of foreign tourists in the state as compared to
domestic tourists. Overall the tourism growth rate in the state is observed as 19.53%, as compared to
the national overall growth rate of 26.39%. In the context of the Government of Uttar Pradesh’s
(GoUP) goal to promote tourism as a priority sector with greater potential to contribute to the regional
tourism development in the state, and with this initiative, through Mathura Vrindhavan Development
Authority (MVDA), the GoUP initiated a Master Plan preparation in the Braj region.
The objective of this project was to assist the MVDA in preparing a Tourism Master Plan for the Braj
region, Mathura district, providing an integrated strategic framework for tourism infrastructure
development following the principles of environmentally and culturally sustainable, socially inclusive,
and economically and financially viable tourism. In addition to the Tourism Master Plan for Braj region,
the study is intended to provide the basis of a project preparatory technical assistance that will
support the MVDA, Department of Tourism, GoUP in preparing an investment package for tourism
infrastructure development for possible financing & implementation.
As per the pilot surveys initiated by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the total visitors in the
Braj region for the period of 2005-06 were observed to be 60.8 lakhs, which accounts for 34.2% of the
total tourism of the state. The Braj region attracts tourists and pilgrims from various entry points
including tourists coming from Delhi towards Agra via NH-2 & vice-versa (North-South Corridor), from
Bharatpur / Jaipur (West), from Alwar (North West), and from Hatras –Aligarh (East).
The reason behind making Tourism Master Plan

The Braj region had been passing through the dichotomy of ample resources with meager planning.
The Mathura district tops the list of revenue contributors for the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. The
heavy influx of pilgrims of various hues brings along a huge influx of charity money to the various
religious institutions across the region. An impressive amount of private investment too flows into the
region due to its strategic locational and religious importance. Yet the area is in terrible shape due to
unplanned urban growth.
Figure 51: Brief Methodology
Source: Tourism Master Plan

Phases of Tourism Master Plan

The Tourism Master Plan has outlaid a time frame of five years to initiate development across the Braj
region. The proposals have been envisioned in three phases: -
I phase: Projects to be initiated in the First year
▪ Projects largely to be done with Government funds laying basic infrastructure i.e. accessibility,
electric & water supply, etc.
▪ Projects identified to avail the Grants & subsidies from State/ Central government schemes
▪ Projects to be done with Community participation/ NGOs in reviving the Ecology of the region
(Kunds, forests, etc.)
▪ Advertisement and Marketing of the region
II phase: Projects to be initiated in the Second & Third year
▪ Projects to be done with PPP mode with a Viability gap Funding approach
▪ Projects with approved support of Grant & subsidies for State/ Central government under
different schemes
▪ Projects to be done with Community participation/ NGOs
III phase: Projects to be initiated in Fourth & Final year
▪ Large Tourism Projects to be done with PPP
▪ Projects with support of Grant & subsidies from State/ central Govt under
Different schemes
▪ Projects to be done with Community participation/ NGOs
▪ Projects linking the developments coming from different agencies.
Clusters
For the purpose of survey and documentation, organization of data and ease of implementation of
projects, the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh has been divided into five sacred clusters. The clusters follow
the administrative boundaries of the block and tehsil. Out of the 10 development blocks, 5 clusters
have been identified namely –
▪ The Barsana – Nandgaon Cluster (NW of Braj Region)

▪ The Mathura – Vrindavan Cluster (Central Braj Region)
▪ The Goverdhan Cluster (SW of Braj Region)
▪ The Mat Cluster (NE of Braj Region)
▪ The Gokul Cluster (SE of Braj region)
The Barsana - Nandgaon cluster comprises of Nandgaon and Chhata Block; the Mathura – Vrindavan
Cluster comprises of Chaumuha, Mathura and Farah Block; the Goverdhan Cluster contains Goverdhan
block; Mat Cluster contains Mat and Naujheel Block and Gokul Cluster contains Baldev and Raya Block.
There are 150 identified villages with over 750 sites. The selected list of prioritized villages for
development, cluster-wise in the Braj region
While developing the proposals in the Tourism Master Plan, it is intended to –
▪ Integrate and Balance the proposals across the Braj region (cluster-wise)
▪ Not overlap, with other proposals/ projects.
Therefore, the Tourism Master plan
▪ PART ONE - Facilitates the Implementation of “already laid projects”

▪ PART TWO - New developments proposals in every cluster

10.3 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORT OF REHABILITATION OF

KUNDS IN BRAJ REGION.
The UP Government envisioned Uttar Pradesh Pro-Poor Tourism Development Project with the
financial support of World Bank is one of the stepping stone in restructuring its tourism sector with a
view to increasing benefits to local communities and improving the management of its tourism
destinations. “Rehabilitation of Bankey Bihari Temple Area, Vrindavan” is one of the identified sub
projects proposed under UP Pro-Poor Tourism Development Project. The project area is centered on
the area of Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan and the Parikrama Marg in the west and Bhaktivedanta
Marg in the east. The subproject is expected to provide a broader and improved experience to tourists
visiting one of the most important destinations in the
Braj region – Vrindavan – and one of its most significant assets – the Banke Bihari Temple area – while
upgrading the infrastructure and services to improve living conditions for its residents.
Detailed Project Report for “Rehabilitation of Banke Bihari Temple Area, Vrindavan” has been
prepared and approved by the Department of UP Tourism Therefore, scope of this report is limited to
assess environmental impacts of the components proposed under the said project and to determine
the specific measures to reduce, mitigate and/or offset potential adverse impacts during pre-
construction, construction and operation phases of the project. Project screening was carried out as
per the screening criteria described in the Environment and Social Management Framework of UP pro-
poor tourism development project that concludes that proposed sub project falls in
‘Category – B’ with minimal impact and have overall positive benefits on the life and environment of
the people. There has been no reported land acquisition or livelihood losses to be caused under this
sub project. As per environmental and social management framework guidelines of Uttar Pradesh Pro
Poor Tourism Development Project; Environment impact assessment was conducted for addressing
possible issues/ concerns arising from the proposed project. Impacts of activities identified during the
assessment under categories of Construction and Operation phase. Although no such permanently
negative or adverse environmental or social impacts were identified, there were certain temporary
impacts, for which appropriate mitigation plans have also been suggested.
The environmental management plan ensures to suggest appropriate mitigation measure against the
issues/ concerns identified during the environmental and social analysis study. All the social and
environmental issues were appropriately studied and have been substantiated using appropriate
evidence, to ascertain the magnitude of their impacts. Even the issues of public grievances and public
notice have been taken care in the report to confirm transparency during the project implementation.
The report also ensures that well defined institutional mechanism is in place to monitor and evaluate
the progress of the project during construction, implementation and operation phases.
10.4 YAMUNA EXPRESSWAY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

(YIEDA)
The Yamuna Expressway Project is conceived with the idea to not only reduce the travel time between
New Delhi and Agra but also to open up an avenue for Industrial and urban development of the region
and provide the base for convergence to tourism and other allied industries.
The Yamuna Expressway has been developed to fulfill the following objectives: -
▪ To provide a fast-moving corridor to minimize the travel time from Delhi to Agra.
▪ To connect the main townships/commercial centers on the Eastern side of river Yamuna
▪ To open up an avenue for industrial and urban development of the region and provide the

base for convergence to tourism and other allied industries.

▪ To relieve traffic congestion on National Highway -2 (NH-2).
Yamuna Expressway stretching 165 kms. connects international tourist destinations of Delhi and Agra.
Yamuna Expressway: 6 lanes (extendable to 8 lanes) access-controlled Expressway is planned to have
5 LFDs (Land of concessionaire) with facilities of 4 Toll Plazas, and 6 Interchanges along the entire
length. YEIDA notified area covers approx. 2,689 sq. kms. falling in six districts namely, Gautam Budh
Nagar, Bulandshahar, Aligarh, Mathura, Mahamayanagar, Agra.
Figure 52: Map showing the Yamuna Expressway, National and State Highways
Source: Yamunaexpresswayauthority.com
Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority will carry the development along the Yamuna
Expressway in two phases in a defined master plan for the year 2031. The phasing is as follows:

Table 21: Phasing of the Yamuna Express Way

District Area (sq km) Phase
Gautam Budh Nagar +Bulandshehar 584 Phase 1
Aligarh
Mathura
2105 Phase 2
Mahamayanagar
Agra
Master Plan for the phase 1 development of Gautam Budh Nagar and Bulandshaher for the year 2021
and 2031 are shown in the following figures below.
Figure 53: Master Plan for YIEDA Phase I 2021(Source: Yamunaexpresswayauthority.com)

Figure 54: Master Plan for YIEDA Phase I 2031(Source: Yamunaexpresswayauthority.com)
In order to carry out the development work along with the six districts, the Yamuna Expressway
Industrial Development Authority has notified approximately. 1189 villages of District Gautam Budh
Nagar, Bulandshahar, Aligarh, Mahamaya Nagar (Hatras), Mathura and Agra under vide various
Notifications of Govt. of U.P. The total of 431 villages are notified in Mathura District. List of villages
falling under Mathura District are Attached in Annexure and these villages will follow the master plan
prepared by Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority for the development. To prepare
the development plan of the Mathura district, here noted as Braj Region, the regulations within the
YEIDA will be followed for the development of this notified region in YEIDA boundary.
10.5 TAJ TRAPEZIUM ZONE (TTZ)

The area is part of the Braj Region – a region which still resounds with the anecdotes of Shri Krishna,
bringing a large number of devotees from India and abroad. With the significance of the region, an
assured tourist and pilgrim traffic, there is a great potential for the growth of the region.

Figure 55: Taj Trapezium Zone
Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) is a defined area of 10,400 sq km around Taj Mahal to protect the monument
from pollution. Concerns regarding the environmental threat to the Taj Mahal was voiced in the
Honourable Supreme Court through a Public Interest Litigation filed by the noted “Green” Advocate
Mr. M.C.Mehta. The concern has been articulated in the landmark judgement of Honourable Justice
Shri Kuldeep Singh dated 30/12/96, “The Taj is threatened with deterioration and damage not only
by the traditional causes of decay but also by the changing social and economic conditions which
aggravate the situation with even more formidable phenomena of damage and destruction.”
Originating as a result of the Writ Petition No. 13381/84-M.C.Mehta V/s the Union of India & Others,
the Taj Protection Mission refers to a group of projects intended to check the deterioration of the Taj
Mahal on account of the environmental pollution. The Central Pollution Control Board delineated the
Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) in 1983, the basis of the weighted mean wind speed in twelve directions
from Agra to Mathura and Bharatpur. The boundaries of the zone were made keeping in mind the
effect of any pollution source in this zone on the critical receptor- The Taj Mahal. This area was
declared as an “Air Pollution Protection Area.”
The Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), which is in the form of a trapezium, is bounded between 26045’N &
77015’ E to 27045’N & 77015’E in the west of Taj Mahal and in the East of Taj Mahal between 27000’N
& 78030’E to 27030’N & 78030’E. The TTZ is spread over 6 Districts:
1. Agra: State of Uttar Pradesh

2. Mathura: State of Uttar Pradesh
3. Firozabad: State of Uttar Pradesh
4. Hathras: State of Uttar Pradesh
5. Etah: State of Uttar Pradesh
6. Bharatpur: State of Rajasthan

Regional Issues
The TTZ lies in the semi-arid biogeographic zone and has a steady rise in resident and tourist’s
population. As per Census 2011, the area has a population of 1 crore with 32% in urban areas. The
gross density is 965 persons per sq. km. which is higher than the State/District average. Due to this,
there would be continuous pressure on the resources - land, air, water, and biotic resources. As
detailed in Part A, the groundwater is depleting. Most of the urban areas show high dust concentration
and the forests cover is less than 10%. Any development trajectory would have to address the above
aspects
Urban Planning Issues

In the last couple of decades, the TTZ has witnessed a major transformation in terms of growth and
development. While urbanization has seen a rapid rise, the region has faced many developmental
issues and challenges. Most of the cities in the region are a result of planned and unregulated urban
growth that has led to tremendous infrastructural pressure within the core cities of the region. Non-
conforming uses, the substantial dearth of recreational and open spaces, encroachment, congestion,
and squatter developments have emerged as major challenges.
a. Unregulated urban growth and development in the core areas
b. Violation of land-use codes and unauthorized non- conforming uses
c. Degenerative impact of urbanization on the river
Development along Yamuna Expressway

There is a need to understand the implications of the type of industries that are being approved in
various developmental proposals. Land use plans being approved for industrial development along
expressways are a matter of great concern. Proposals such as the leather park, in the outer expressway
master plan along the Agra Ring Road, should be thoroughly reviewed to assess whether it conforms
with the mandates of the TTZ industry guidelines. Also, new non-conforming industries, burgeoning
along the expressways need to be assessed and monitored.
a. Unregulated Development along Yamuna Expressway
b. Non-Conforming Industries Escalating Along Expressways
c. Critical Industries along Expressway
Issues in Tourism
• Monocentric Tourism
TTZ has huge potential for developing into a significantly large tourist hub. However, currently, the
entire focus of tourism in the region is focused on a counted few prime destinations. This increases
the pressure on the few centers particularly because they also form the core central part of the cities
as is clearly evident for Agra Mathura and Vrindavan, Bharatpur. There are various heritage significant
locations like Gokul, Deeg, Nandgaon, and Chhatta in the TTZ that are unexplored and untouched but
have great potential for developing into significant tourist destinations thus reducing the pressure off
from the destinations which are bearing the brunt of over-crowding and crashing under the pressure.
Also, culture tourism has great potential in the region which has been not been explored to its full
potential. Tourism development strategies need to tap and promote the tangible and intangible
cultural heritage of lesser-known destinations.

• Insufficient Tourism Infrastructure

The tourism infrastructure of primary tourist destinations in the region like Taj Mahal, Agra Fort,
Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura, Vrindavan, and Bharatpur is not adequate to serve the growing influx of
tourists. “Tourism infrastructure is a range of devices and institutions constituting a material and
organizational basis for tourism development. It comprises four basic elements: accommodation
facilities, food and beverage facilities, accompanying facilities and communication facilities”.30 Also,
potential tourist attractions which are unexplored and unprotected in Deeg, Nandgaon, and Chhata
lack the required tourist infrastructure to become potential tourist magnates. An increasing number
of tourists and pilgrims (five to seven million annually) add stress to the carrying capacity of the parent
city and the tourist sites. But prior to developing the tourist infrastructure, the infrastructure used by
the residing population must be catered to. If a city cannot sustain its inhabitants, it will fail to sustain
its visitors.
• Inefficient maintenance of tourism significant sites
The temple and river ghats are not regularly cleaned or maintained. Narrow entrances gates to the
premises of Kunds are not well guarded leading to commotion and accidents.
• Destruction of the regional landscape and associated elements of Braj Region

The river as a primary element in the landscape is one of the most important images of this region but
urbanization pressure and nature of urbanization have reduced the river to a mere drain with little or
no water and thus it represents a very gloomy picture. At the same time, lack of any attention to
unique riverfronts of Mathura, Vrindavan, and Agra is evident. Absence of a qualitatively significant
and vibrant also leads to the dilution of cultural, religious and social activities associated with the river.
Braj Region is characterized by not only architectural and urban elements, but in fact, the regional
landscape and its constituting elements-Orchards and Forest (Van, Upvan, Bagichi, and Baghs), kunds,
mounds, etc. have shaped the cities in the past and given them a specific and distinct character. These
elements are under serious threat as their inter-relationships are either broken or diluted in newer
development patterns. This unique regional landscape of Braj or numerous archeological sites finds
no suitable recommendation or policy directions in the Master Plans (Refer Annexure 6.1). Even the
restoration work undertaken at few selected kunds near Mathura is very piece-meal, project-oriented
and confined to aesthetic treatments without giving due consideration to the local historical and
ecological relationships of the kunds. Another important cultural aspect of this region is the ‘Yatras’,
that follows sacred routes of Braj. These are again not respected in the development plans and with
the destruction of regional landscape features- kunds, vans, etc, the significance and experience of
the yatra are getting diluted.
Recommendations:
1. GIS-based comprehensive database needs to be prepared through documentation, mapping and
detailed Inventorisation of all the water and vegetal heritage resources like water reservoirs,
kunds, water channels, streams (seasonal /perennial), ghats, kunds, baghs, bagichis, vans or forest
2. Provide statutory protection to all the water and vegetal heritage resources listed in the database
prepared above under the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act 1959, the Environment
(Protection) Act 1986, and the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 amended in 1988 including other
applicable legal regimes by the municipal corporations, urban local bodies, and village panchayats.
3. Prepare an integrated environmental and natural heritage management plan for the region which

recognizes and addresses the linkages between culture and landscape.

4. All heritage kunds, waterbodies and vans to be restored authentically using internationally
adopted conservation norms and practices as spelt out in the UNESCO Charters such as Charter
for the Conservation of Historic Towns and Urban Areas (Washington Charter 1987), Charter for
the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance also known as the Burra
Charter(1979),ICOMOS-IFLA Principles Concerning Rural Landscapes as Heritage (2017) , Valetta
Principles for the Safeguarding and Management Historic Cities, Towns and Urban Areas (2011)
5. The buffer zone around all water bodies including kunds in Barsana, Hathras, Govardhan,
Mathura, Vrindavan, Baldeo, Agra, Roopwas, Chaumuha, Chattaneed to be demarcated and
notified. The boundaries of the buffer are to be decided based on-site specific conditions capturing
the areas critical for the wellbeing of the water bodies. The soft areas as green cover using
indigenous plant species should be maximized in demarcated buffer areas.
6. The restoration, renewal, revival, ‘beautification’ in and around the natural and cultural heritage
sites should be done respecting the context, using locally available materials to keep the
authenticity and integrity of the heritage sites.
7. Vehicular traffic in all the designated heritage precincts of settlements in TTZ needs to be curtailed
and pedestrian zones introduced in the interest of heritage and well-being of residents and visitors
in the area. NPVs need to be introduced in the historic inner-city core of all cities
8. Remove all encroachments from the public lands/government owned land on the riverbank and
provide alternative locations so as not to disturb livelihood patterns of the communities displaced
and to prevent re-encroachments.
9. GIS-based documentation and mapping of creative industries in the TTZ needs to be undertaken
to develop a digital platform through mobile-based application enabling tourists to identify and
visit the centers of craft production.
10. Small scale cottage industries in the TTZ region, predominantly in the areas of Agra, Braj region
comprising of Mathura, Vrindavan, and Govardhan should be encouraged.
11. Introduce NPVs in heritage zones which would also provide employment opportunities for e-
rickshaw drivers.
12. An Urban Heritage cell for the conservation of historic buildings and precincts should be set up
within each municipality wherein mechanisms are developed so that the task of conservation of
heritage is shared by all urban governing bodies and coordinated and monitored by the Heritage
Cell.
10.6 Summary
Various studies have been attempted in the Braj region, being one of the main tourist attractions in
Uttar Pradesh. We studied these documents, literature and other related existing policy frameworks,
in order to develop an understanding of the region. The major report studied were; Tourism master
plan, Braj region by IL & FS with Braj foundation, this report talk about the tourism potential of the
region along with highlighting the important tourist places. Another report referred was under the pro
poor tourism development of the Braj region. Uttar Pradesh Govt. initiated this project under the
funding of WHO to improve the tourism in Braj, for which Environmental Impact Assessment Report
of the project around Bankey Bihari temple was considered. Along with this report, State tourism
policy was also reviewed. As Braj falls under Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ). TTZ report prepared by SPA
Delhi was an important document which provided guidelines laid by Hon' Supreme court of India, on

how to proceed with further development in the zone. All the information available from these
studies, research documents, and existing policy framework has been extracted and reviewed along
with the census of India statistics. In further stages now, we would collect the information on ground
from Primary surveys, for which the basic understanding about the region was necessary.

11 DEVELOPMENT APPROACH & WAY FORWARD

11.1 PROJECT SO FAR
A preliminary study is being conducted for the study area, through secondary sources. A team has
been identified and the work in filed will began.
11.2 NEXT AGENDA

A stakeholder meeting will be conducted with the concerned nodal officer of the project along with
other concerned officers of the region. Procurement of Satellite Image would be a major step in term
of creating the base of the project. Simultaneously, data collection from the authority will be another
important activity, in order to move forward in the formation of the database for the consultant. Also,
a review of existing sectoral policies, strategies and plans on regional economic development,
industrial policy, tourism and heritage conservation, PPP framework, protection of environmental
resources, will be conducted to develop a better understanding of the region.
11.2.1 Procurement of Satellite Image:
The consultant will procure the stereo image of high-resolution satellite data of spatial resolution of
2.5 M (Pan and Multispectral Imagery) from NRSC Hyderabad. Uttar Pradesh BrajTeerth Vikas Parishad
will assist by issuing a letter to concerned Authorities for quick procurement of Satellite Imagery with
following Attributes:
• Resolution: 2.5 Meter Resolution

• Area: Present Spread of Braj Region
• Coverage: Authority’s Development Area with sufficient buffer.
• Data: Digital and Hard Copy Images Products
This acquired imagery will be used for the Preparation of Base map. This raw satellite Imagery will be
then Georeferenced using Ground Control Points (GCP) collected through the Differential Global
Positioning System (DGPS) Survey.

11.2.2 Secondary Data Collection from various Departments
Data collection plays a vital role in understanding the existing status of the region. In order to develop
a comprehensive development plan at this scale, data from various department needs to be integrated
and involvement from different departments will be required to maintain the legitimacy of the project.
A list of various departments is shared shown as below, in order to collect the relevant data of the
respective region:
1. Uttar Pradesh Braj Teeth Vikas Parishad

▪ Collecting data for Future planning of the region
2. District Administration Mathura
▪ Administrative structure – hierarchy
▪ Administrative development strategies – governance
Legal Cell
▪ Functions of the Cell
▪ Registered cases against unauthorized construction activities, encroachments, etc.
▪ Details of PIL’s filed against the activities performed by the Municipal Corporation
▪ Other significant disputes
3. Office of Deputy Director of Agriculture, Nalwa Path, Cantonment, Civil
Lines, Mathura
▪ Type of agricultural development in the recent decade – Agricultural land – crops - production
▪ Available schemes related to agricultural development
▪ Maps – Agricultural land location – crop types
▪ Major issues/problems
▪ Details of Proposals already in a picture or prepared by department to address in the
development plan
4. DIOS/ ADIOS: Education Department
▪ Development carried out in recent decade for elementary education – system – teaching staff
– no. of schools
▪ Available schemes related to elementary education
▪ Maps – location of schools – facilities
5. CMO office, Civil Lines, Mathura
▪ Development carried out in recent decade for health & family welfare – health care system,
health facilities
▪ Available schemes related to health & family welfare
▪ Major issues/problems
development plan
6. Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, Civil Lines, Mathura Cantonment,
Mathura
▪ Tourism spots under the department or developed by the department and their details
▪ Details of development in the last decade
▪ Tourist footfall- National/ International
development plan
▪ Available maps – tourism properties/locations – tourist footfall

7. Revenue Department; Mathura, Vrindavan, Chhata, Mahavan, Sadar,

Goverdhan, Mant Tehsils
▪ Revenue sheets, revenue blocks
▪ location & area of Govt. lands
▪ Location & area of reserve plots for Public & semipublic purpose
▪ Availability of Revenue Maps Soft / Hard Copies – Geo-referenced or not
8. Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority
▪ Industrial policies
▪ Detail of existing industrial clusters and industrial estate/zone
▪ Detail about MOU (memorandum of understanding), LOI (letter of intent), LOP (letter of
permission), IEM (industrial entrepreneur’s memorandum)
▪ Details of Proposals already in picture or already prepared by the department to address in
the development plan
▪ Status of existing industries – types
▪ Water consumption, waste generation, and disposal
▪ Maps - location – industrial areas – types
9. Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation
▪ Public transport details: terminals, routes of state transport buses and local buses
▪ Number and location of bus stops and terminals
▪ Routes for public transport circulation
development plan
▪ Map showing the location of bus stands/ parking facilities
10. RTO, Mathura district, 82, Panchvati Colony, Narsipuram
Colony, Mathura
▪ Popular modes of transport - distribution
▪ Registered vehicles details –Public/Private
▪ The trend of dependency on private vehicles
▪ Public transport details: terminals, routes of state transport buses and local buses
▪ Number and location of bus stops and terminals
▪ Number of passengers being carried by the buses and terminals on a daily basis
▪ Location of heavy traffic zones and Major accidental spots
▪ Map showing the routes of public transport services, major traffic junctions and roads, bus-
stops, signalized and non-signalized junctions, and transport terminals.
▪ Details of dedicated on-street and off-street parking facilities – Location, Capacity and type
▪ Map showing the location of parking facilities
development plan
11. Labour & employment department, Mathura
▪ Employment structure
▪ Major Activity for employment generation
▪ Employment data of last 3 decade
12. Forest Department, Cantonment, Civil Lines, Mathura
▪ Forest & reserve forest areas – Number, Location, area and type
▪ Available maps – location of forest areas
▪ Notified forest area boundary
▪ List of activities prohibited/restricted in forest areas as per the zoning regulations
▪ The extent of encroachment and destruction of protected forests
▪ Steps being taken to regulate unauthorized construction activities in these areas

13. Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority, Mathura

▪ Master Planning
▪ Development carried out in recent decade by department
▪ Major issues / problems / bottlenecks in implementation
▪ Development changes
▪ Details on Slums/urban poor – housing – infrastructure facilities
▪ Available maps – changes in the development – land use, roads, infrastructure, Housing
development plan
▪ Architecture & Planning –
• Functions of the Department
• Plans and Policies in action
• Status of Compliance with the existing plans and policies
• The extent of unauthorized construction activities in the region
• Actions were taken to regulate these activities
• The procedure of Building Plan approvals and extent of monitoring of those approved
▪ Legal Cell
• Functions of the Cell
• Registered cases against unauthorized construction activities, encroachments, etc.
• Details of PIL’s filed against the activities performed by the Municipal Corporation
• Other significant disputes
▪ Road & Building Department
• Functions of the department
• Total Length of Roads in Braj Planning Area
• Hierarchy of Roads in Braj Planning Area
• Total Length of Road side drains and network of the same
• Maps showing the hierarchy of roads and network of drains
• Number of Off-Street Car parking facilities in the Braj Planning Area along with the total
and individual capacities
• Number of Community halls, shops and other buildings constructed by the Corporation
• Map showing the overall condition of buildings in the region
• Maps showing the location of parking facilities and Community Halls
• The extent of coverage of street lights in the Braj Planning area
• Type of street lights provided
• Map showing roads provided with street lights and those unserved
• The total length of footpaths in Braj Planning Area
• Map showing roads provided with footpaths
• Other Street Infrastructure provided by the corporation and a map showing the extent of
those
• Details of the Repair and maintenance activities of Roads, drains, street lights and
footpaths.
14. Municipal Corporation, Mathura & Vrindavan Nagar Nigam
▪ E-Governance Cell –
• Existing digital initiatives/practices (Ex: Tax Collection, Grievance Redressal, etc.)
• Proposed Initiatives
▪ Accounts –
• Municipal Budget

• Details of Capital and Revenue Receipts & Expenditures

▪ Tax
• Existing Tax Collection Bye-laws and PROPERTY Taxation Method in action
• Types and amount of tax collected
• The extent of tax collected as opposed to the population/number of households
▪ Administrative Department
• Total Administrative Capacity and that of each department
• Existing bye-laws, plans, policies, central/state government schemes in action
• The extent of compliance and status of implementation of each
• Other Municipal activities
▪ Estate
• Functions of the branch
• List of properties owned, rented and managed by the Municipal Corporation
• Provisions made for migratory labor
• Other activities regulated and managed by the corporation (Ex: Hawking)
▪ Legal Cell
• Registered cases against unauthorized construction activities, encroachments, etc.
• Details of PIL’s filed against the activities performed by the Municipal Corporation
• Other significant disputes
15. Jal Nigam, Office Adhisasi Aviyantaa Khand UP Jal Nigam, NH2-
Bhuteshwar Road
▪ Functions of the Department
▪ Water Supply –
• Sources of water and the total quantity of water collected from those
• Number of Intake wells/pumping stations with their locations
• The total cost of collecting water from the sources
• Number of Reservoirs / Storage Tanks and their locations
• Water Treatment Facility – Capacity, Cost of Treatment and location of the plant
• Details of the Distribution Network – The length, Coverage, and diameter of Water Supply
Mains, Feeders and Distribution Lines
• Map showing the Water Supply Distribution Network
• Total Piped Water Connections – Residential, Commercial, institutional and Industrial
• Total Demand of Water
• Water Supply charges levied on consumers – Residential, commercial, Institutional and
Industrial
• Bill Collection efficiency
• Bill Collection frequency
• Amount of subsidy available to the consumer
• Amount of population being served by the network
• Population dependent of Water tanks, bottled water, and other sources
• Proposals for extension or appropriation of the Water Supply Network
• Details of consumer complaints and grievances received
▪ Sewerage –
• Total Sewage Generation
• Details of the Sewage System– Length, Coverage, and diameter of sewage lines

• Total Population and households being served by the sewage connection

• Cost of establishing and maintaining the system
• Sewage collection charges levied on the customers – Residential, Commercial,
institutional and Industrial
• Amount of Subsidy available to the customer
• Population and households dependent of septic tanks for sewage disposal
• Map showing the Sewage Network
• Sewage Treatment Facility – Capacity, Cost of Treatment and location of the plant
• Sewage disposal site and the quality of sewage disposed
• Amount of sewage treated and then disposed
• Details of Customer complaints and grievances received
▪ Solid Waste Management –
• Total Solid Waste Generation – Residential, Commercial, Institutional and Industrial
• Waste Segregation practices at the source
• Waste Collection – Residential, Commercial, Institutional and Industrial
• Collection of Medical, Hazardous and Construction Waste
• Number of Community bins and their collection frequency
• Number and location of public bins and their collection frequency
• Total Cost and Responsibility of Collection
• Waste Transportation – Frequency, Vehicles used and transportation network
• Total Cost and Responsibility of Transportation
• Waste Treatment and Processing unit – Location, Type and amount of waste treated
• Total Cost and Responsibility of Treatment
• Waste Disposal – Location, type, area of the landfill site and amount of waste disposed
• Waste Collection charges levied on the customer
• Total Cost of Disposal and Maintenance of Landfill Site
• Map showing the location of community bins, public bins, transportation network and
location of the landfill site.
• Details of Consumer Complaints and Grievances received
16. Rural & Panchayati Raj Department, Rajiv Bhawan, Civil Lines,
Mathura Cantonment
▪ Central / State sponsored schemes being implemented in the villages of the planning area
▪ Number of people benefitted from these schemes/programs so far
▪ Agency responsible for implementation and monitoring of Rural development Schemes /
Programmes
▪ Existing Rural Infrastructure provision:
• Number of households with individual toilets
• Number of community / public toilets, if any
• Source of water in the village
• Households distribution based on dependency on individual taps, tankers, bore wells,
tube wells, water bodies or bottled water
• Employment pattern in the village
• Solid waste disposal site in the village
• Number of health and education facilities, if any
• Number of electrified households

• Number of events of power cut in a week

• User charges paid for services if any
• Quality of roads and those with street lights
17. Executive Engineer, PWD, Mathura
▪ Roads: Road capacity (Design), the width of road, villages and settlement connectivity,
construction of new roads. New road proposal and types and settlement connectivity.
▪ Traffic: Volume, types and flows, problems accidents and hazards.
18. Executive Engineer, Jal Nigam, Mathura
▪ Number of Water Intake Sources
▪ Total Water Collected from the sources
▪ Total Cost of Water Collection System
▪ The amount levied for bulk water supply to the Municipal Corporation
19. Superintendent engineer, Uttar Pradesh Dakshinanchal Vidyut
Vitrand Nigam Ltd. (DVVNL)
▪ Number of households, building units electrified currently
▪ Total Supply and Demand of Electricity
▪ Number and location of electric sub-stations and transformers in the region
▪ Location of main power stations
▪ Number of events of power cut in a week
▪ Map showing location of the power station, sub-stations and transformers
▪ Electricity tariffs levied on the consumers – Unit Rate
▪ Bill Collection efficiency
▪ Bill Collection frequency
20. NH Authority Faridabad
▪ The existing condition of NH
▪ Road safety
▪ Infrastructure
▪ Available maps – road network – road width
Reports to be collected:
▪ Interim MVDA Master Plan 2021 for Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority Planning
Area.
▪ Studies were undertaken in respect of housing, parks & open spaces, etc. under JNNURM.
▪ Studies were undertaken in respect to SMART city.
▪ Studies were undertaken in respect of housing, parks & open spaces, etc. under PMAY.
▪ Studies were undertaken in respect of Tourism under Pro poor tourism development project.
Maps to be collected:
▪ Revenue Village Boundaries Map.
▪ Existing Master Plan of Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority.
▪ Map showing location and type of educational facilities
▪ Map showing the location of industrial activity clusters/zones
▪ Map showing major tourist destinations in the planning area
▪ Map showing the routes of public transport services, major traffic junctions and roads, bus-
stops, signalized and non-signalized junctions, and transport terminals.
▪ Map showing the location and type of parking facilities
▪ Map showing location of slums and other types of housing
▪ Map showing Ownership of land and plots reserved for the public / semi-public purpose
▪ Location and type of forests in the planning area

▪ Road Network and Hierarchy

▪ Network of drains
▪ Building conditions in the planning area
▪ Location and type of public/semi-public spaces provided by the corporation
▪ Roads with footpaths and street lights
▪ Water Supply Distribution Network with the location of Storage tanks, Reservoirs, and
Treatment Plant
▪ Sewage Network with the location of Sewage Treatment Plant and Disposal points
▪ Location and type of health facilities
▪ Location of Community bins, public bins and Landfill site
▪ Location of public toilets
▪ Location of power stations, sub-stations, and transformers
11.2.3 Primary Surveys- Methodology Finalization & questionnaires
The purpose of conducting a primary survey is to develop a database with ground truthing. This task
shall comprise Household Surveys, Traffic Surveys, DGPS Surveys, Socio-Economic Surveys, and
Tourism Surveys. The team will prepare detailed survey sheets and represent it to the authority for
approval and necessary suggestions hereafter.

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Braj Development Plan for Braj Region of Uttar Pradesh - Inception Report (May 2019)

PREPARATION OF BRAJ DEVELOPMENT PLAN

FOR BRAJ REGION UTTAR PRADESH

Design Associates Inc.| Ecourbs Consultants| Page | 1

Design Associates Inc.| Ecourbs Consultants| Page | 2

2 STUDY AREA PROFILE .................................................................................................................. 22

3 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF BRAJ REGION .................................................................................. 32

Design Associates Inc.| Ecourbs Consultants| Page | 3

4 ECONOMIC PROFILE OF BRAJ REGION ........................................................................................ 38

5 PILGRIMAGE & TOURISM SECTOR............................................................................................... 43

6 PHYSICAL FEATURES & ENVIRONMENT ...................................................................................... 53

7 LANDCOVER CHARACTERISTICS OF BRAJ REGION ....................................................................... 58

8 INFRASTRUCTURE PROFILE OF BRAJ REGION .............................................................................. 62

Design Associates Inc.| Ecourbs Consultants| Page | 4

8.1.4 Solid Waste Management ............................................................................................................................... 65

9 SOCIAL AND CULTURAL PROFILE OF BRAJ REGION ..................................................................... 69

10 REVIEW OF EXISTING STUDIES, POLICIES & REPORTS OF BRAJ REGION .................................. 72

11 DEVELOPMENT APPROACH & WAY FORWARD ....................................................................... 84

Design Associates Inc.| Ecourbs Consultants| Page | 5

Table 1: Settlements falling under the Planning area ......................................................................... 23

Design Associates Inc.| Ecourbs Consultants| Page | 6

Design Associates Inc.| Ecourbs Consultants| Page | 7

Figure 40: Land use/Land Cover of the Braj Region ............................................................................ 59

Design Associates Inc.| Ecourbs Consultants| Page | 8

Design Associates Inc.| Ecourbs Consultants| Page | 9

v. To create effective implementation strategies that promotes equitable & inclusive

1.3 Approach for Planning

Design Associates Inc.| Ecourbs Consultants| Page | 10

guidelines governing the nature of the interventions shall be outlined.

1.4 Scope of Work

1. Regional framework with identification of rural and urban centers.

Design Associates Inc.| Ecourbs Consultants| Page | 11

Design Associates Inc.| Ecourbs Consultants| Page | 12

1.5.1 Stage 1: Existing Situation Assessment

1) Project Team Mobilization and Initiation

2) Finalization of Methodology & Work Plan

3) Preparation and Submission of the Inception Report

Furthermore, other spatial data i.e.

B. Primary Data Collection

Figure 3: modes of primary data collection

Socio-Economic Surveys at certain retail/commercial pockets with a sample size of 200

Design Associates Inc.| Ecourbs Consultants| Page | 14

5) Preparation of GIS base map

STEP 1: Boundary Identification with census maps

STEP 2: Procurement of Bhuvan satellite map, JSAC & SRTM

Figure 4: Geo-Referencing - DGPS Survey

STEP 5: Existing land-use survey

Design Associates Inc.| Ecourbs Consultants| Page | 15

STEP 6: Primary Ground Verification

Figure 5: Digitisation of Maps

Sajra Maps Collection

Final Cadastral Data

Sajra Maps Digitization

STEP 8: Preparation of preliminary base-map

STEP 9: Ground Verification / Truthing

6) Assessment of Socio-Economic Data

Design Associates Inc.| Ecourbs Consultants| Page | 16

7) Assessment of Physical Infrastructure