The Pune bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered a temporary halt on tree-felling activities in Nashik linked to preparations for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, directing authorities to maintain status quo until April 28, reported news agency PTI.
The interim stay was issued during a hearing on a petition filed by environmentalist Manish Baviskar, who raised concerns over large-scale cutting of trees, particularly along key roads in the city. The tribunal has asked the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) to present its response at the next hearing, reported PTI.
NGT intervenes amid environmental concerns
The tribunal’s decision comes amid growing opposition from residents and environmental groups over the felling of trees for infrastructure development linked to the mega religious event. The stay order effectively pauses all such activities until further review later this month.
The petition argued that the tree-cutting drive could have long-term environmental consequences and sought judicial intervention to prevent irreversible damage, reported PTI.
Mayor defends decision, cites safety and infrastructure needs
Responding to the tribunal’s directive, Nashik Mayor Himgauri Aher-Adke stated that the civic body will present its case before the NGT and justify the decision.
She maintained that the move to cut certain trees was not taken abruptly but after considering multiple factors, including rising traffic congestion, increasing road accidents, and the need to upgrade infrastructure ahead of the Kumbh Mela, reported PTI.
Aher-Adke emphasized that road expansion has become necessary to manage the anticipated influx of devotees and to ensure public safety. She also claimed that the process is being carried out in line with environmental safeguards and directives of the Supreme Court of India, reported PTI.
Rising accidents cited as major concern
Highlighting safety concerns, the mayor pointed out that road accidents in Nashik have increased significantly in recent years. Between 2015 and 2019, at least 31 people lost their lives and 23 were injured, while police data indicates that 46 fatalities were recorded during this period, reported PTI.
She described the situation as serious and stressed the need for immediate measures to prevent further loss of life, adding that road widening is a key part of the solution.
Massive turnout expected for Kumbh Mela
Authorities are preparing for a massive turnout during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, with estimates suggesting that around 12 to 15 crore devotees could visit Nashik and nearby Trimbakeshwar over the course of the event, reported PTI.
The Kumbh Mela is scheduled to be held between October 31, 2026, and July 24, 2028, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in the world and a major logistical challenge for local authorities.
Public protests and divided opinion
The tree-felling drive has triggered protests among sections of Nashik residents. Demonstrations began earlier this week after the NMC initiated cutting of trees along Gangapur Road, a key arterial stretch.
While environmental activists have strongly opposed the move, some residents have expressed support, arguing that development and public safety must take precedence in cases where trees pose risks.
The issue has thus sparked a wider debate between environmental conservation and urban development, with the final outcome now hinging on the tribunal’s next hearing later this month.
(With inputs from PTI)