Braj has over 1000 ancient water bodies, locally called as Kunds. Out of these over 800 kunds were in dilapidated condition with not a drop of water. The Braj Foundation took the historic initiative in 2005 to revive them all in the most scientific and professional manner. Till date Braj Foundation has created additional water retention capacity of 6 Lakh Cubic meters in the Braj region by desilting 50 ancient water bodies and they are now filled in with splashing water.
Each of these Kunds is transcendental in nature because it has a history of thousands of years. According to local beliefs many of these kunds have curative value as well. These kunds are revered by Brajwasis, pilgrims and saints. They are scattered all over Braj. Hence revival of their cultural significance is essential for their long term survival. Only then the local community will ensure their protection.
There are two aspects of Kund revival work;
Desilting and ghat repairs to ensure sufficient water retention.
Beautification, landscape development, Leela display through diorama/sculptures, shilalekh for depicting the history, irrigation facility for it’s trees and basic infrastructure for the care takers and pilgrims.
The first part of this wing of The Braj Foundation was being financially supported by Mr Kamal Morarka, Chairman Gannon Dunkerley Group, Mumbai, till he died in 2021. Since the assignment is so huge that we need multiple funding supports such as GOI or UN bodies. It is the second part for which we need the support of devotees from world over or from those who believe in protecting and preserving Indian culture.
In 2003 we started professional survey of hundreds of ancient water bodies associated with the pastimes of Lord Krishna and found out that a majority of them were in a pitiable condition. Our survey included; geographical location and mapped them on the satellite map with GPS, their measurement, revenue records, cultural history, photographs and evaluation of the requirement for their restoration. No government or private agency had ever attempted such a mammoth task in the history of Braj.
After the survey is completed, the in-house team of architects, civil engineers, graphic designers, landscape designers and artists prepares their development plans. Once these plans are prepared, the Foundation explores the possibility of arranging sponsorships for their restoration. It is a slow process, considering the size of our team it takes us one to three years to complete one project.
Once the funds are arranged, the restoration of the Kund is undertaken. The average cost of restoration of a Kund varies between Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 5 crores, depending upon the plight and size of the kund and the quality of beautification one wants to do. We try to mobilize corporate support, private donors and MPLAD funds for this purpose.
Kund Restoration is the answer to growing water crisis in the country. Actually this is a cause of worry for the whole world. From the World Bank to the State Govts. all are concerned about the speedily declining subsoil water tables. It is a priority of every govt. and corporate entity to contribute towards water harvesting or conservation. Many NGOs are doing very good work in different parts of the country, we need their expertise and support. However, there is a large number of NGOs, who make false claims about their achievements in order to seek large grants. So we decided to prove our credentials by setting some examples of good work and then seek out for funds.
Mr. Morarka was also the founder Chairman of The Braj Foundation and had very generously donated us over Rs. 2 Crores including 3 Earthmovers (worth Rs one Crores) to carry out the work of removing the silt from dried up Kunds.
The objective of the Braj Foundation is to restore, beautify and maintain all the Kunds of Braj, which are more than thousand in number. On clicking here you may see the whole list of Kunds undergoing complete transformation.
Braj has over 1000 ancient water bodies, locally called as Kunds. Out of these over 800 kunds are in dilapidated condition
There are thousands of heritage buildings in Braj which are in a dilapidated condition and need immediate attention.
A Tourism Master Plan of Braj worth Rs. 2000 crores has been prepared by The Braj Foundation in a consortium with IL&FS IDC
Braj is the land of forests. There were 137 transcendental groves in Braj. Out of which only 3 have survived rest have been reduced to dust.
Drinking water crisis is growing everyday in different parts of the country. Mathura (UP) has a peculiar crisis
Braj Foundation successfully organized the 125 years old Sanjhi Art Mela at Brahma Kund, Vrindavan in 2015 and again in 2016
It is said of Braj: “Saat var nau tyohar”( on seven days in a week, we have nine festivals ) and “Every word is a song, every step is a dance
No effort to restore Braj Heritage can succeed without involving the local community. Realizing this need our team
The Braj Foundation wins 6 UNESCO backed best NGO awards in India
We are a non-profit organization, established in December 2005 to restore and revitalize the environmental and cultural heritage of Braj Bhoomi (land of Braj)
