The event was inaugurated by Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, State Minister (Independent Charge), Forest, Environment, Forest Protection & Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Grammy Award winner and Padma Bhushan awardee Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt (creator of the Mohan Veena); Tantri Samrat Pandit Salil Bhatt (creator of the Satvik Veena); and renowned flautist Pandit Ajay Prasanna, a three-time Grammy nominee. Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena remarked, “Global warming and rising temperatures demand immediate action, and reducing carbon dioxide begins with planting and protecting trees. Our Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s message, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, captures this beautifully. Today’s plantation drive by revered saints strengthens this national mission.”
By the time Kumbh 2031 arrives, lakhs of pilgrims are expected to experience the cool shade and cleaner air created by these plantations. Ravindra Chamaria, Chairman and Managing Director, Infinity Group, said: “Braj is not just a region of spiritual significance — it is an ecological heritage carrying thousands of years of cultural memory. As Vrindavan evolves into a global spiritual destination with unprecedented footfall and connectivity, the responsibility to protect its natural identity becomes even more crucial. The Panchvati plantation is not just a CSR initiative, it is a commitment to ensure that development never compromises the ecological soul of the Dham. This 140-acre green restoration is our way of safeguarding Vrindavan’s future while reviving the Vrindavan described in our scriptures.”
Ravee Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer, Krishna Bhumi Arcade, added: “Vrindavan is entering a decisive phase of growth. With over ₹30,000 crore worth of cultural and infrastructure development underway in the Braj corridor and the upcoming Jewar Airport enhancing global connectivity, the sacred city is emerging as one of the world’s most significant spiritual destinations. With annual pilgrim numbers expected to increase from 2.45 crore to nearly 6 crore in the next five years, sustainable ecological buffers are essential to protect the environment, support local communities, enrich pilgrim experience, and preserve Vrindavan’s sanctity.”
He further stated, “Krishna Bhumi Arcade, India’s first religious and cultural product mall, extends our core philosophy of seva. It will provide local businesses a global platform to showcase their offerings, while pilgrims will benefit from a standardized, organized, and hassle-free shopping experience under one roof.”
For the past two years, Krishna Bhumi has been working under a tripartite agreement with Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad (BTVP) and Nagar Nigam to restore the Kumbh-Poorva Vaishnav Baithak land, which suffered severe damage due to monsoon flooding and waterlogging. The Panchvati Mahotsav 2025 accelerates this multi-year restoration effort — rebuilding green cover, reinforcing riverbank ecology, and strengthening heat-mitigation zones across high-footfall areas — with the ultimate goal of restoring the ancient forest identity of Vrindavan while supporting its rapidly expanding pilgrim economy.
