Archive · 23 Nov 2025
Nashik Kumbh Mela: Clarification on Tree Felling
The upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik has sparked controversy due to plans to fell trees for setting up facilities.
The Kumbh Mela commissioner has clarified that only a much smaller number of trees will be felled, and they will be transplanted elsewhere.
Environmentalists and actors have protested against the tree felling, while a minister has defended the decision.
Kumbh Mela commissioner denies plans to fell 1,800 trees
Plans to transplant trees instead of felling them
Sadhu Gram colony to be set up for saints in Tapovan area
Environmentalists protest against tree felling
Minister defends decision to fell trees for Kumbh Mela infrastructure
- Who
- Kumbh Mela commissioner, environmentalists, actors, Minister Girish Mahajan
- What
- Clarification on tree felling for Kumbh Mela in Nashik
- When
- October 31, 2026 (start of Kumbh Mela)
- Where
- Nashik, Tapovan area
- Why
- To set up facilities for sadhus and devotees, including a Sadhu Gram colony
Environmentalists and Actors
Kumbh Mela Commissioner and Minister
Tree Felling
Environmentalists and Actors
Oppose tree felling, especially old trees
Kumbh Mela Commissioner and Minister
Some trees need to be felled for infrastructure, with plans to transplant and replant
- Total trees initially proposed to be felled
- 1,700-1,800
- Actual number of trees to be felled
- Much less than 1,800
- Trees to be transplanted
- Some varieties of trees
- Trees to be axed
- Only those that cannot be transplanted
- Trees to be planted for every tree axed
- 10 trees
- Expected number of saints and devotees
- Many times higher than previous Kumbh Melas