Chief Minister reviews law and order situation and assesses progress of ongoing projects during his two-day visit to Mathura

Mathura : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Monday, instructed officials to enhance services for devotees and tourists in Mathura-Vrindavan. He said that everyone’s safety, whether they are local residents, tourists or devotees, is the responsibility of the government and must be prioritized.

The Chief Minister, who is on a two-day visit to Mathura on the occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, while discussing the safety of devotees and other tourists in a review meeting with local public representative and administrative officials, directed that the development of the entire municipal corporation area as a ‘Safe City’ be expedited.

The CM added: “Ensure everyone’s faith is respected. Security should be increased on the Parikrama route and highways with increased patrolling of bikes and PRVs.”

The Chief Minister also called for enhancing the Integrated Traffic Management System with the installation of additional CCTV cameras and ensuring continuous police presence in sensitive and crowded areas. Stressing the need to enhance civic amenities in the Braj region, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that the roads were unbroken and pothole-free.

He called for special attention to this issue, ensuring that the damaged roads are promptly repaired. Additionally, he directed that roads affected by ongoing works under the Jal Jeevan Mission or Amrit Yojana be repaired as quickly as possible.

Furthermore, the CM instructed officials to maintain cleanliness on the Parikrama Marg and repair roads connected to it. The Chief Minister instructed that door-to-door garbage collection be made more effective, highlighting the importance of public participation through Mohalla Committees for maintaining cleanliness. He also directed the deployment of additional manpower for cleanliness in the Mathura-Vrindavan area and urged that garbage management efforts be enhanced, drawing inspiration from the Prayagraj Kumbh model.

The Chief Minister instructed that street lighting and decorations in Mathura be improved. He recommended installing solar-powered street lights on major routes and key areas. Additionally, he called for the organization of street vendors and the creation of designated vending zones. He also directed officials to make arrangements for piped drinking water facilities for the convenience of devotees.

The CM instructed the Braj Tirtha Vikas Parishad, Municipal Corporation, Police, and Development Authority to enhance parking facilities. “Develop additional multi-level parking facilities and establish commercial complexes within these parking areas, incorporating retail shops. Engage with the community to lease these shops, as this will not only generate revenue but also help alleviate traffic congestion”, he stated further.

Highlighting the need for improved facilities, the Chief Minister noted that the number of devotees visiting the Mathura-Vrindavan area from both within the country and abroad is steadily increasing each year. He stressed the importance of enhancing all amenities to ensure that devotees leave with a pleasant experience. Additionally, the Chief Minister called for the creation of multi-level parking and commercial spaces within the corridor.

The Chief Minister stated that the state has vast potential for religious tourism, with key centers like Ayodhya, Mathura-Vrindavan, Kashi, and Prayagraj. Over the past seven years, these areas have undergone significant transformation, leading to an unprecedented increase in tourist footfall, he added, pointing out that the surge in visitors is set to boost the local economy.

“With the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh scheduled for next year, millions are expected to attend, including visitors to Mathura-Vrindavan. In this context, it is crucial to ensure top-notch services for the devotees”, he stated.

Regarding the Sri Banke Bihari Temple Corridor, the Chief Minister stated that discussions would take place with all relevant stakeholders. He reassured the public that no one would be displaced as a result of the corridor. Additionally, the Chief Minister instructed the creation of a detailed action plan to address the rehabilitation of those affected, with their needs being a priority.

Sugarcane Development and Sugar Industry Minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary, Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh, Basic Education Minister (Independent Charge) Sandeep Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Tejveer Singh, MLA Mathura Shrikant Sharma, MLA Math Rajesh Chaudhary, District Panchayat President Kishan Singh along with senior police and administration officials were present in the meeting.