Amid Nashik Kumbh protests, Maharashtra govt seeks way out of tree-cutting controversy, says CM Devendra Fadnavis

Devendra Fadnavis

The Maharashtra government is actively working on a solution to the growing protest against tree-cutting linked to preparations for the Nashik Kumbh, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told Moneycontrol exclusively on December 2.

“State government is looking into this issue and will find a solution,” Fadnavis said, signalling that discussions are underway to address concerns raised by protesters and environmental groups.

The agitation began after the state government planned to cut trees in the Tapovan area of Nashik for the construction of Sadhu Gram ahead of the 2026 Kumbh Mela. The proposed Sadhu Gram is planned over roughly 1,000 to 1,200 acres in the Tapovan region, and about 1,800 trees have been marked for removal, according to municipal notices.

The plan has triggered protests from local residents and environmental activists, who have questioned the necessity of large-scale tree felling and demanded alternative arrangements that would minimise ecological damage.

The Simhastha Kumbh has a long tradition of accommodating saints from various akhadas, Hindu religious orders with political affiliations to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The state government typically provides temporary residential infrastructure for these groups during the mega religious congregation.

The last Simhastha Kumbhamela was held at Nashik and Trimbakeshwar in the year 2015-16. The Kumbh Festival — a human congregation of spirituality is held at Nashik-Trimbakeshwar, Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar and Ujjain. Ardh Kumbh is held at Prayag and Haridwar after every six years. The Kumbh Mela is held at the banks of sacred rivers every 12 years. At Nashik – Trimbakeshwar it is held at the banks of river Godavari.

Post the state government’s decision, actor Sayaji Shinde last week joined local residents in hugging the trees in Tapovan that have been marked for cutting.

“We are followers of Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. They have all spoken about preserving nature. The trees are our parents and if you attack them then we will not tolerate it. We will work to save them,” Shinde said.

Further, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on its X handle had said that if the government takes a stand of struggle, then his party will join the fight along with the people.

Additionally, Thackeray said Nashik residents are strongly opposed to this tree felling. I appeal to Nashik residents to stand firm, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena will stand by you. “There is really no politics in this, even after the elections that are being held now, we will continue to oppose this tree felling! I appeal to the government not to unnecessarily escalate the conflict. See if at some point people will respect what they have to say.”