In a significant environmental protest, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Ameya Khopkar visited Nashik's Tapovan area on Saturday, voicing strong opposition to the government's plan to cut down a large number of trees. He led a demonstration alongside local residents and figures from the Marathi film industry, demanding immediate intervention.
Politician Draws Controversial Parallel in Nashik
Addressing the media during the protest, Khopkar made a pointed comparison that has stirred controversy. He urged the state government to spare the trees at Tapovan just as it had spared Parth Pawar, the son of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Parth Pawar's firm is currently embroiled in a contentious land deal controversy. Khopkar expressed disbelief that such extensive deforestation was being sanctioned in Nashik city merely to allocate land for a commercial establishment.
Residents' Agitation and Government's Reassurance
The visit and protest were in direct support of Nashik residents who have been agitating against the civic body's plans. The protest highlights the growing public discontent over urban development at the cost of green cover. Earlier, Water Resources Department (WRD) Minister Girish Mahajan had proposed plans to transplant the older trees under expert supervision. He also promised that the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) would plant over 15,000 trees in all available spaces within the city limits as a compensatory measure.
Distrust in Government Promises
However, Khopkar and the protestors displayed clear distrust towards these assurances. When reminded of Minister Mahajan's plans, Khopkar dismissed them, stating that nature lovers were in pain over the NMC's actions. "Now, WRD minister Mahajan may be promising many things. But none of them are ready to believe in what he has promised," he asserted, reflecting a deep-seated skepticism about the execution of such environmental safeguards. The standoff in Nashik continues as citizens and activists seek a concrete guarantee for the preservation of Tapovan's green lung.
