Shinde Sena goes against CM stance, joins protests against tree felling for Kumbh Mela

For weeks, environmentalists, residents, and cultural figures, including actor Sayaji Shinde, have opposed the reported clearance of 1,800 tress from Tapovan area, which is spread over 35 acres and is slated to be used to build houses/akhadas for sadhus coming from across the country.

Earlier, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar supported the protest, saying, “If the environment survives, the next generation survives.”

On Friday, Sena city chief Pravin Tidme announced a demonstration at Tapovan. Sena leader Ajay Borste told the media, “No matter what, we will not allow the chopping of these trees.” Hundreds joined in with placards, adding to the growing movement and raising slogans against the tree felling, which is contrast to the BJP’s stand.

Opposition parties including Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, AAP, CPI, and CPI(M) have also been protesting and warned of intensifying their agitation if the government did not withdraw its decision to cut the trees.
Environmental groups, local residents, and artists have held repeated demonstrations, stressing the ecological importance of Tapovan for Nashik city.

The Nashik Municipal Corporation has also started to dig 15,000 pits for compensatory planting and floated a tender to build an exhibition centre on the 35-acre site, further outraging citizens over the past few weeks.

Kumbh Mela minister Girish Mahajan said some tree felling was “inevitable” to make way for Sadhugram. “We will attempt replantation wherever possible. The number of trees to be cut will be kept to a minimum. For every tree removed, ten will be planted and maintained. Kumbh comes once in 12 years. The government is clear on its stand. We are all nature lovers.”

Curated For You

India vs South Africa, 3rd ODI: Yashasvi Jaiswal scores maiden ODI ton, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma slam fifties as IND defeat SA by 9 wickets

25 dead in midnight fire at Goa club

Hope Virat Kohli continues doing the same, says Gautam Gambhir after India’s ODI series win against South Africa