Archive · 5 Dec 2025
Nashik Tree Felling Sparks Political Debate
In Nashik, India, there's a big argument about cutting down over 1,700 trees in a place called Tapovan.
The local government wants to build a special area for a big religious event called Kumbh Mela.
But many people, including a member of parliament named Rajabhau Waje, are against it because they say the trees are important for the environment.
They want the government to find another place to build instead.
The government says they will plant new trees, but the people opposing the plan don't think that's enough.
The argument is getting a lot of attention, even in the national parliament.
Nashik MP Rajabhau Waje raised the issue of tree felling in Tapovan during Lok Sabha's Zero Hour, seeking PM Modi's intervention.
Over 1,700 trees are at risk of being cut down for the construction of Sadhu Gram for the 2026 Kumbh Mela.
Environmentalists and citizens oppose the tree felling, citing lack of transparency and potential conversion of the area into a MICE center.
The Nashik Municipal Corporation has started a campaign to plant 15,000 trees across the city and promises to plant 10 saplings for every tree cut.
MP Waje visited Tapovan, interacted with citizens, and wrote to the Chief Minister and Prime Minister for intervention.
- Who
- Nashik MP Rajabhau Waje, environmentalists, citizens, Nashik Municipal Corporation, Kumbh Mela Minister Girish Mahajan
- What
- Controversy over tree felling in Tapovan for Sadhu Gram
- When
- Upcoming Kumbh Mela in October 2026
- Where
- Tapovan, Nashik, Maharashtra, India
- Why
- Construction of Sadhu Gram and potential conversion to MICE center
- Issue
- Tree felling in Tapovan for Sadhu Gram
- Trees at risk
- 1,700+
- Location
- Tapovan, Nashik, Maharashtra, India
- Event
- Kumbh Mela (October 2026)
- Opposition
- Environmentalists, citizens, political leaders
- Proposed alternative
- Alternative site for Sadhu Gram
- Government response
- 10 saplings for every tree cut, 15,000 trees planted
- MP's action
- Rajabhau Waje raised issue in Lok Sabha
Sources
Rane Questions Why Greens Don’t Oppose Bakri Eid Slaughter
Pune Activists To Stage Solidarity Protest On Dec 7 Against Tapovan Tree Felling For Nashik Kumbh
Nashik MP Rajabhau Waje Takes Tapovan Fight To Parliament, Seeks PM Modi's Help To Save Over 1,800 Trees
