Sayaji Shinde Warns Minister Girish Mahajan Over Tapovan Tree-Cutting: “Even If We Become Enemies, I Don’t Care”
Actor-activist Sayaji Shinde strongly opposes the plan to cut 1,800 rare trees in Nashik’s Tapovan for Kumbh Mela preparations; says he will not allow a single tree to be removed and demands answers from Minister Girish Mahajan.
Sayaji Shinde:
Noted actor and environmental activist Sayaji Shinde has launched a sharp attack on the Maharashtra government over the proposed cutting of 1,800 large and rare trees in Tapovan, Nashik, for the upcoming 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
During his visit to Tapovan on November 29, Shinde inspected the trees and expressed anger over the plan to clear the land for the proposed “Sadhu Gram” and exhibition center. Addressing the media, he issued a direct warning to Minister Girish Mahajan.
Shinde said:
“People here told me the government wants to build an exhibition centre on this land. Minister Girish Mahajan must answer. You are a responsible person. Even if we become enemies, it does not matter to me. When it comes to trees, I will not back down. Do not make statements like ‘we will cut trees and plant new ones elsewhere’.”
Calling trees the “true celebrities of the world,” Shinde added that they give shade, oxygen, fruits and life, unlike humans who destroy nature.
He firmly stated:
“We will not allow even a single tree to be cut. If the government touches these trees, it will be an insult to Shivaji Maharaj, Dnyaneshwar Mauli, Tukdoji Maharaj and Sant Tukaram. Let no one dare destroy Nashik in the name of so-called development.”
Local citizens, environmental groups and social organisations have already raised strong objections to the project. Shinde has now publicly joined the protest, strengthening the movement.
