SC clears Banke Bihari corridor in Mathura; land survey begins, ‘sevayats’ rights to remain intact, assures govt | Agra News

AGRA: The local administration in Mathura has started a land survey for the proposed Banke Bihari corridor on Monday, after the Supreme Court’s approval. The move comes amid ongoing protests by local residents, including the Goswami community, whose members are considered the temple’s ‘sevayats’ — hereditary priests who manage daily rituals and other temple affairs. Banke Bihari is regarded as one of the most revered Krishna shrines in north India, attracting lakhs of pilgrims.Mathura district magistrate, CP Singh, said, “The Banke Bihari temple corridor project aims to offer people a safe and dignified ‘darshan’ experience of the deity. Govt has assured that the rights and traditions of the temple’s ‘sevayats’ will remain untouched, with the state focusing only on development of the external infrastructure. The proposed corridor will resolve long-standing issues of overcrowding and stampedes. It will also offer facilities like clean drinking water, toilets, rest areas, medical centres and lockers.”The land survey was conducted by a four-member team who inspected the area around the temple complex. Sources within the local administration told TOI that to ensure minimal inconvenience for local residents, an active search is underway for possible resettlement spots within Vrindavan.On May 15, the SC bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and SC Sharma permitted the state govt to proceed with a ‘Rs 500 crore redevelopment plan’, which entails acquiring almost five acres of land, using temple funds.The SC ruling came amid protests from the Goswami community and local residents, who have opposed both the corridor project and establishment of the Banke Bihari Temple Trust.Gyanendra Kishor Goswami, a member of the temple management, said, “The proposed corridor and Banke Bihari Trust would destroy the temple’s original and ancient form. Govt has adopted a dictatorial attitude towards our demands. Our protest will continue.”The move to redevelop the place came up after a stampede-like incident on Janmashtami in 2022, that claimed two lives. In Sept 2023, Allahabad HC instructed the state govt to implement a corridor plan for improved crowd management and safety.Officials claimed that all the stakeholders were consulted, but ‘sevayats’ and local residents alleged they were excluded from the planning process.