Simhastha Kumbh Mela Nashik: Locals, environmentalists up in arms against felling of trees in Tapovan, what is the Maharashtra govt's response?
The Simhastha Kumbh Mela will be held in Nashik in October 2026, about one and a half years after the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela. Preparations are currently underway.
During the Kumbh Mela, a Sadhugram is built in Tapovan for the residence of sadhus and mahants. There are plans to build a similar Sadhugram on approximately 1,150 acres during the upcoming Kumbh Mela.
The Municipal Corporation owns approximately 54 acres of land in Tapovan. The Municipal Corporation issued a notice seeking objections and suggestions regarding the replanting of approximately 1,700 trees of various species.
The notice expired on Tuesday (November 18). The plan to fell trees on such a large scale sparked strong reactions not only from environmentalists but also from citizens. Hundreds of citizens expressed their objections.
Strong opposition at every level
There is strong opposition at every level. Many large, shady, and environmentally important trees have been marked with yellow marks.
Environmentalists have stated that many trees are so old, large, and widespread that they could be registered as ancient trees.
They allege that cutting down such trees would be a wrong decision not only from an environmental perspective, but also from a spiritual, cultural, and historical perspective.
This is a green area of Nashik
Environmentalists say many types of birds and animals visit this place. This is a green area of Nashik. Originally, the sages did not ask for the trees to be cut. In fact, the sages go to the forest to perform penance. Preparations for the Kumbh Mela can be made without cutting these trees."
Locals say nature is the foundation of any religious event like the Kumbh Mela, and if you're destroying nature, how can saints accept to sit here? Furthermore, the Kumbh Mela is short-lived, but because of these trees, the biodiversity here is for generations.
This place in Panchavati is reserved for Sadhugram: Minister
State Minister Girish Mahajan also visited the site and spoke with environmentalists.
Speaking to the media, he said, "The role of tree lovers in Nashik is right, no doubt. The balance of nature must be maintained. However, we are hosting the Kumbh Mela after 12 years. The world's attention is focused on this Kumbh Mela. This time, the crowds will be three to four times larger. This place in Panchavati is reserved for Sadhugram. This is a tradition that has been going on for hundreds of years. Sadhus live here."
Municipality is conducting a tree survey in Sadhugram
Additional Commissioner of Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), Karishma Nair, issued a press note clarifying this.
He said, "The municipality is conducting a tree survey in Sadhugram. As a result, 1,825 trees have been identified, and the news of tree felling has caused confusion among citizens."
"First, after the tree survey, only trees that will obstruct construction work, that is, trees less than 10 years old, will be cut. Small bushes will also be cut."
"Older trees will be preserved, and if trees less than 10 years old are cut, the same number of trees of the same age will be planted through the municipal parks department, as per regulations."
For example, if a 7-year-old tree is cut, 7 new trees will be planted.
However, citizens have questioned this explanation. They say that many native and old trees are also marked; how is this possible?
The NMC received over 600 objections and suggestions from the public. A public hearing on these objections is scheduled for November 24, 2025, after which a final decision is expected.