Destruction of Hills of Braj - Video    Babashri on Destruction of Braj - Video

Disappearing Historic Kunds (Ponds) of Braj

Historical and Spiritual Importance

Braj is a home of over 1000 beautiful historic kunds (water tanks). A large number of them are over 5000 year old and are mentioned in the folklores related to Shri Shri Radha Krishna’s pastimes. They conserve rainwater and thereby allow the sub-soil water table to be maintained. They have traditionally been used to irrigate local fields and orchards and have sustained the local populace in the drought-hit years.

Of the 1000 kunds in Braj Dham, today, approximately 300 are visible. The rest of them have silted and dried up to the point where they can no longer be recognized. Many of the approximately 300 which are observable have been converted into garbage dumps or sludge tanks. The embankments (ghats) of most of the kunds are in a dilapidated condition. The beautiful architectural constructions and chhataris around them are in a very poor state and badly need repair. Catchments areas and land surrounding the Kunds have been encroached at many places. Many of these kunds are a natural habitat for numerous migratory birds, for example the Darshan Sarovar in the village Badhauta is a wonderful sanctuary for birds.

How can I help?

Encourage politicians to establish the area of the kunds as protected zones.

Help to form area maps of existing sites of kunds, so that they cannot be encroached, and the exact location can be determined.

Contact local residents who have taken over the areas where these kunds are located, and impress upon them the importance of bringing them back to their original state.

Donate generously to preserve the kunds, and bring them back to original states. These kunds need to be located, dug, and then to be beautified.

Destruction of Hills of Braj - Video    Babashri on Destruction of Braj - Video