Reviving the Kundas
Building the Future
In Nandagaon
About Nandagaon
Nandagaon holds profound spiritual significance as the palatial home of Nanda Maharaj and Yashoda, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood and youth. This sacred land is home to 56 Kundas—sacred lakes—each connected to special lilas (divine pastimes) of Krishna.
- Palatial Home of Nanda Maharaj & Yashoda
- Childhood & Youth pastimes of Lord Krishna
- 56 Kundas - Lakes connected to special lilas
- 2.4 million visitors a year
- 17,000 population
Ecology at Risk
- Local wildlife and bird habitats dependent on Kundas have disappeared
- Each Kunda used to support more than a dozen species. Severe drop in the number of species
- Soil erossion has increased with decimation of kundas. Moreover there is pressure from urbanization around the lakes further reducing the catchment area for rains.
- Villages with healthy kundas have 33% lower drought risk because they help with ground water recharge. The ground water levels have seen big dips in Nandagaon
Join the Preservation Movement
Nandagaon's heritage requires ongoing commitment. Learn how you can contribute to rejuvenation and preservation efforts.
ECONOMY LOSS
- Heritage sites account for 45% of tourism inflow
- 1-5 crore revenue /year /Kunda
- Restored Kundas 2-4x more pilgrims at each site.
- Each kunda creates its own bubble of local jobs
Dozens of Kundas/Lakes Rejuvenated Every Decade
- Rinmochan Kunda in 2016
- Sankarshan Kunda in 2018
- Lalita Kunda in 2021
But they don’t last more than a few years
All the above mentioned kundas are again filthy and in disrepair shape. Braj Development Plan (2025, UPBTVP) mentions them as needing rejuvenation
A Case study
Lalita Kunda
Kunda was cleaned and the whole complex was renovated at the cost of 2 Crores in 2022.
Not a single Tree base is intact. All are broken and have bricks missing. Not a single sitting bench left intact.
The water is dark. Locals don’t even wash clothes and it smells like sewage.
The footpath is mostly broken tiles and dirt. It is practically dirt path again!
Why Kunda Rejuvenation is not enough!
Need Regular Upkeep
Visitors, Locals, Animals, Trees, Plants - they all produce waste that needs to be dealt lest they pollute the kunda
Rains can be harsh
Heavy rains can cause banks to break or move.
Education Offset
Educating locals and tourists adds many hands in the care of the kundas
Vigilant Eyes
Encroachers are always looking for easy opportunity to occupy public property and resources.
Therefore
Rejuvenation
& Preservation
