Core and Buffer Zones
Encroaching Development
Consequences Increased Traffic Loss of Public Land Commercialization of Religion Farmers displaced Pressure on existing infrastructure Privatization by outside realtors Degredation of Pilgrimage Path
38 acres
13 acres
179 acres
Core Area = 934 acres 9 acres
38 acres 15 acres
11 acres
192 acres
9 acres
64 acres
Total Developed Areas Existing and Proposed 550 acres Two Buffer Types Needed: Rock/Orchard Belts - to discourage settlements from further growth outwards, these should be 40 ft in width located on the borders of existing villages. Future expansion should be directed away from the hill. Scenic Preserves - to protect the heritage of Govardhan and its peripheral landscape, a 500 ft buffer zone from outside the road and villages is needed. All features within this zone are subject to conservation so that no new development may occur.
Expanding Villages Fig.24 Encroachment on Govardhan Hill
The Hill should be a protected cultural landscape zone as it is under threat of encroaching development by private realtors. The existing settlements too are expanding and the temples trusts are building huge edifices. Much of this development is on the outer road leading to loss of farmland, increased traffic and pressures on existing infrastructure, and privatization of public spaces. Commercialization of sacred grounds and of religion itself is all too evident. Presently about 934 acres of the Hill are un-built while the total developed area including historic settlements is 550 acres. The Hill should form the core of the protected zone and its buffer would be the outer road and 500 feet beyond. No further development 26
should occur in the core area and all vacant land should be acquired and converted into forests for wild life habitat and sacred groves. The buffer area should be regulated in its land-use with only agricultural and orchards and groves allowed. This easement is essential to protect the Hill from encroachment. A tree belt is proposed to delineate the core and buffer zones.