Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 3: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday emphasised the need for a conciliatory approach to address the controversy over tree felling in Nashik city for the upcoming Kumbh Mela, highlighting that environmental preservation is as vital as development.

The Nashik civic body’s reported plan to cut over 1,700 trees in the Tapovan area to construct a 'Sadhu Gram' for visiting religious leaders ahead of the October 2026 Kumbh Mela has sparked protests from civil society members. Actor Sayaji Shinde, affiliated with Pawar-led NCP, also voiced his opposition, stating he would stand against the government if the trees were removed.

Backing Shinde, Pawar said, “If trees survive, the next generation will survive. Along with development, maintaining environmental balance is equally important.” He added that the Tapovan tree-felling issue must be resolved amicably without compromising environmental concerns.

Pawar stressed that the stance against deforestation was “in the larger interest of environmental protection,” noting that development should not come at the cost of ecological stability. He urged all stakeholders to adopt a constructive approach to safeguard both developmental goals and the environment.

In response to public opposition, Nashik Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri clarified that over 60 per cent of the surveyed trees will be spared. She assured that no trees existing on the land since 2015, when the last Kumbh Mela was held in Nashik, would be removed, and older indigenous trees would remain protected.