26 Feb Netherlands-Based Living Peace Projects Foundation Launches Yamuna Clean-Up Drive

Voice of India World/New Delhi: The Netherlands-based Living Peace Projects Foundation (LPP) has launched a major Yamuna riverbank clean-up drive and signed key agreements with local authorities to roll out long-term water and environmental initiatives in Mathura and Vrindavan. The programme marks the beginning of an integrated ecological restoration and water awareness mission in the Braj region

LPP, a not-for-profit organisation headquartered in the Netherlands with a registered branch in India, said the initiative is designed to combine river rejuvenation, public infrastructure and youth-led environmental education. The mission of LPP is to impact 10 million lives through clean water projects.

Clean-Up Drive Kicks Off Mission

The morning riverbank clean-up drive was inaugurated in the presence of Jag Pravesh, IAS, Commissioner, Mathura Vrindavan Nagar Nigam (MVNN); Suraj Patel, IAS, CEO, Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad (UPBTVP); and Saurabh Singh, Additional Commissioner, MVNN.

More than 120 students from Pathways World School, Gurugram, and Kanha Makhan School, Mathura-Vrindavan, participated in the drive. The schools together represent a student ecosystem of nearly 20,000 learners, highlighting the initiative’s strong focus on youth participation and environmental responsibility.

Officials said the clean-up forms part of a broader environmental and cultural restoration programme being jointly undertaken by LPP and the UPBTVP.

Dr. (CA) Vikas Chaturvedi, Director, Valuecent Foundation and Advisor to LPP, said, “Ma Yamuna holds a very special place in my heart as I belong to the holy city of Mathura. Through this initiative, we are committed to bringing the best of Dutch water technology and innovation with the Netherlands being a global leader in water management to Mathura and Vrindavan to support their long-term ecological revival.”

MoUs Signed for ‘Living Water Cycle Buildings’

In a major step forward, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with the MVNN for the allocation of two land parcels in Mathura-Vrindavan. The sites will host two educational Living Water Cycle Buildings, envisioned as sustainable water infrastructure and awareness centres.

The MoUs were formally handed over in the presence of MP Hema Malini; Shailjakant Mishra, Vice Chair, UPBTVP; Chandra Prakash Singh, IAS, District Magistrate, Mathura; Jag Pravesh, IAS, Commissioner, MVNN; Suraj Patel, IAS, CEO, UPBTVP; Shlok Kumar, IPS, SSP Mathura; Lakshmi N, IAS, Vice Chair, Mathura Vikas Development Authority; and Dr. Pooja Gupta, IAS, Chief Development Officer, Mathura

Sacred Kund Restoration Underway

In parallel, the Braj region has begun a focused push to restore its historic kunds (sacred water reservoirs), revered by millions of devotees. The effort is being spearheaded by the UPBTVP in collaboration with LPP.

As part of the programme, LPP has undertaken the purification of two prominent kunds — Patit Pawan Kund and Bandi Anandi Kund — aimed at reviving their ecological health and spiritual significance.

The initiative is being led by <strong”>Ms. Brigitte Madeleine van Baren, Chair of the Living Peace Projects Foundation, who travelled from the Netherlands to personally oversee the programme.

Local coordination is being managed by Dr. (CA) Vikas Chaturvedi, Director of Valuecent Foundation and Advisor to LPP. Mr. Baroruchi Mishra, Technical Member of the LPP Board, was also present during the events.

With strong cooperation from government agencies and active participation from students and volunteers, LPP said the programme lays a durable foundation for sustained environmental impact in the Mathura-Vrindavan region.

LPP stated that the Mathura initiative is designed to deliver enduring community transformation rather than short-term intervention, aligned with its global mission to impact 10 million lives through clean water projects.

Officials expressed confidence that the collaborative model could become a template for similar river and water-body restoration efforts across India.

Facilities On Offer

According to LPP, the proposed Living Water Cycle Buildings will:

• Provide safe, purified drinking water to pilgrims in high-footfall areas
• Offer bathing facilities using treated Yamuna water
• Function as educational hubs promoting water awareness and environmental stewardship
• Demonstrate LPP’s internationally recognised Living Water Cycle model
• Operate through CSR partnerships with companies across India

Officials emphasised that the structures are being designed not merely as civic infrastructure but as living demonstrations of sustainable water management and community engagement.