In a firm commitment to environmental conservation, Maharashtra's Industries Minister Uday Samant has assured the public that the green cover of Nashik's revered Tapovan area will be protected. The minister made this declaration during his visit to Nashik city on Thursday, directly addressing concerns over potential tree felling for development projects.
Minister's Clear Stance on Tapovan's Greenery
Speaking to the media, Minister Uday Samant emphasized the duty to safeguard Tapovan's ecological wealth. "It is our duty to protect Tapovan's greenery," Samant stated categorically. He clarified a crucial point: the state industries department has not submitted any formal proposal to develop an industrial exhibition centre at the Tapovan site. This statement aims to quell rising public apprehension about the project's impact.
However, the minister acknowledged his request to the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC). He has asked the civic body to identify and provide an alternative parcel of undisputed land elsewhere in the city for establishing a permanent exhibition centre dedicated to industrial purposes. Samant reiterated that this permanent facility would only move forward if such suitable, conflict-free land is made available, ensuring Tapovan remains untouched.
Background: The Controversial MICE Hub Proposal
The minister's assurances come against the backdrop of a earlier and contentious plan floated by the Nashik Municipal Corporation. The NMC had explored developing a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) hub at Tapovan through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The now-contentious proposal outlined a specific structure:
- Creating temporary infrastructure for a period of 11 years.
- Handing over the land for 1 year during the Kumbh Mela for related use.
- Returning the land to the private agency for another 11-year term afterward.
The NMC had even invited expressions of interest from potential partners for this project. The plan ignited significant public outcry after reports surfaced that over 1,700 trees in Tapovan faced the axe to make way for the project, which was reportedly being pursued under the guise of developing 'Sadhugram' facilities.
Political Jabs Amid Environmental Assurance
During his media interaction, Minister Samant also took the opportunity to critique opposition leaders on their election campaign efforts. He criticized Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray for holding only a handful of public rallies. Contrasting their limited outreach with the extensive campaigning of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Samant underscored the importance of active canvassing. "These elections are for party workers, and active campaigning is essential to uphold democratic principles," he remarked.
The minister's clear delineation between seeking land for an industrial exhibition centre and protecting Tapovan's trees provides a definitive stance on the issue. It shifts the focus from the ecologically sensitive zone to finding an alternative location, potentially resolving the conflict between development goals and environmental preservation in Nashik.
