Mathura (UP), April 10 VIPs visiting the revered Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan will no longer be accompanied by their private security personnel during darshan to prevent arbitrary movement on the temple premises.
The decision was made on Thursday during a meeting presided over by a former high court judge, the chairperson of the Banke Bihari management committee constituted by the Supreme Court, the district information office said in a statement, adding that the decision will be implemented shortly.
According to the decision reached in the presence of ex-officio members – Chairperson Ashok Kumar, former District Judge Mukesh Mishra, District Judge Vikas Kumar, District Magistrate and Secretary Chandra Prakash Singh, and Mathura-Vrindavan Municipal Commissioner Jagpravesh – besides representatives of various 'sevayat' groups, instructions have been issued to the temple management to curb the arbitrary behaviour of private security personnel.
It was decided that new regulations regarding this matter would be formulated and implemented in the near future.
During the meeting, discussions were held on various issues including removing encroachments from the temple's platform, expediting the registration process for buildings and commercial establishments for the temple corridor project, ensuring smooth operation of temple accounts, managing service arrangements for Nidhivan (a sacred forested sanctuary managed by the temple), and renewing the contract for the security agency guarding the temple for the upcoming financial year.
To address the issue of food adulteration in items sold around the temple, the committee directed officials from the food safety department to conduct continuous raids, take strict action, and curb malpractices.
Displeasure was expressed regarding the sale of adulterated 'pedas' (milk-based sweets) intended as 'prasad' (offering to the deity), the statement said.
The discussions revealed that the 'mava' used in the manufacture of these adulterated 'pedas' is being sourced in large quantities from cities in neighbouring Rajasthan. Measures were requested to put a stop to this.
To resolve traffic congestion caused by the proliferation of e-rickshaws in the narrow lanes (Kunj Galis) of Vrindavan, the transport department was instructed to launch a campaign to issue challans and initiate vehicle seizure proceedings.
Additionally, other issues related to temple management were also deliberated upon. CCTV cameras installed within the temple complex and its vicinity are to be upgraded and equipped with high-definition and artificial intelligence technology.
Discussions were also held regarding the management of crowds and the provision of amenities for devotees visiting during the festival of 'Akshay Tritiya'.
Special emphasis was laid on ensuring that devotees face no inconvenience either on the temple premises or the surrounding lanes, and that water bottles are distributed to them during the summer season, the statement added.