Kumbh Mela Tree Felling Halted by Green Tribunal

A stay has been placed by the Pune bench of the National Green Tribunal on tree-felling activities designated for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik-Trimbakeshwar. This order will remain in effect until April 28, pending further hearings.

The tribunal's decision follows a petition lodged by Nashik-based environmentalist Manish Baviskar. The Nashik Municipal Corporation has been directed to submit its defense during the upcoming court session.

Nashik Mayor Himgauri Aher-Adke stated that the municipal corporation would present its arguments, asserting that the decision to remove trees was made after careful consideration of various factors, including the Kumbh Mela preparations and a significant rise in road accidents.

Mayor Aher-Adke claimed that eco-friendly measures aligned with Supreme Court directives are being implemented. She explained that road expansion is considered essential due to growing traffic congestion, a high incidence of accidents—which have claimed 46 lives between 2015 and 2019 according to police records—and the anticipated arrival of 12-15 crore devotees for the Mela.

Despite the mayor's assurances, the tree-felling initiative has faced considerable opposition from many Nashik residents. Protests began after the municipal corporation commenced cutting trees along Gangapur Road for route widening. Some posters at the felling sites, however, indicated support for the decision, with some residents arguing that necessary development should prioritize public safety over certain trees.

The Simhastha Kumbh Mela is scheduled to span 28 months, commencing on October 31, 2026, and concluding on July 24, 2028.