Nashik Tapovan Tree Cutting: NGT Halts Tree Felling Until January 15 — Major Interim Order

Nashik Tapovan Tree Cutting:
The ongoing controversy over the proposed tree cutting in Tapovan, Nashik has taken a significant turn. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed an interim stay on the felling of over 1,800 trees in the area, following widespread public protests.

The tree removal plan was part of preparations for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, under which 1,825 trees in the Tapovan area were to be cleared for the construction of Sadhugram and related facilities. Environmentalists, citizens, and even celebrities across Maharashtra voiced strong opposition to the plan.

Interim Stay Until January 15

Advocate Shriram Pingale, the petitioner, revealed that the NGT has issued an interim order halting tree cutting until January 15. He clarified that this is not a final verdict but a temporary halt to prevent irreversible action while legal procedures are being clarified.

According to Pingale, no proper legal process was followed before approving the tree cutting. Notices were issued on November 12, but these lacked essential information—such as details of the type and number of trees to be cut—making the approval itself questionable.

Legal Process Explained

Under the Maharashtra Tree Preservation Act, 1975, the Tree Officer must:

Issue valid notices,

Provide detailed information on trees to be cut,

Invite objections from the public,

Pass a reasoned order explaining why the trees must be felled.

Thousands of objections have already been filed by citizens, and the Tree Officer is now expected to examine the necessity and legality thoroughly before making any decision. Pingale also said that even if a biased or forced order is issued, it will again be challenged before the NGT.

Background of the Controversy

The Nashik Municipal Corporation planned:

54 acres for Sadhugram,

35 acres for a new MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) Hub,
leading to the proposal to cut 1,825 marked trees.

Kumbh Mela Minister Girish Mahajan clarified that commercial structures will not be built by cutting Tapovan trees. He added that only small, recently grown trees may be shifted and replanted, and that 15,000 new native trees—including banyan, peepal, and jamun—will be planted with support from the public and government.

These saplings, already grown to around 15 feet, are being sourced from Hyderabad.