Nashik Environmentalists Meet Forest Minister to Protect Tapovan from Development
A delegation of dedicated environmental activists from Nashik held a crucial meeting with Maharashtra's Forest Minister, Ganesh Naik, on Thursday, urgently requesting the declaration of the Tapovan area as a protected forest. This move comes in direct response to the proposed large-scale tree cutting planned by the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) for constructing Sadhugram, a facility intended to accommodate sadhus during the upcoming 2027 Kumbh Mela.
Detailed Discussions and Ministerial Assurances
The team, spearheaded by prominent activist Rohan Deshpande, met Minister Naik in Mumbai to seek immediate intervention for safeguarding the ecologically sensitive Tapovan region. During the meeting, which involved comprehensive and encouraging dialogues, the activists presented their demand while also addressing various pressing environmental issues affecting Nashik. Deshpande revealed that the minister provided firm assurances, stating the state government would undertake all constitutionally valid measures to protect Tapovan and thoroughly examine the feasibility of granting it official forest status.
Accompanying Deshpande were fellow activists Vaishali Dalvi, Gaurav Darade, and Hrishikesh Gite, who collectively emphasized Tapovan's immense ecological value. They articulated the growing public concern over NMC's controversial plan to remove a significant number of trees, arguing that designating Tapovan as a forest would ensure long-term protection against future developmental pressures and preserve its natural heritage.
Symbolic Gesture and Cultural Significance
As a powerful symbolic act, the activists presented Minister Naik with an idol of Lord Ram, highlighting Tapovan's rich mythological and cultural heritage. According to local beliefs, Lord Ram resided in this area during his exile, adding a layer of spiritual and historical importance to its ecological significance. This gesture was strategically intended to underscore the multifaceted value of Tapovan, blending environmental conservation with cultural preservation.
Background of the Controversial Development Plan
Earlier, NMC had proposed cutting approximately 1,700 trees in Tapovan to facilitate the development of Sadhugram for the 2027 Kumbh Mela. This announcement sparked widespread opposition from local residents and environmental advocates. In response, senior BJP leader and cabinet minister Girish Mahajan attempted to alleviate concerns by assuring that mature, old trees would remain untouched, with only younger saplings planted over the past 7-8 years being transplanted. Despite these assurances, protests have persisted, reflecting deep-seated public apprehension.
Mahajan also initiated a city-wide drive to plant more than 20,000 tall saplings, of which over 5,000 have already been planted. However, activists argue that such measures do not adequately compensate for the potential loss of established trees in Tapovan.
Legal Proceedings and Interim Protection
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) bench in Pune is currently hearing a petition filed by Shriram Pingle, challenging NMC's extensive tree-felling and transplantation plans. These plans encompass major roads, the Godavari riverfront, routes to Trimbakeshwar, and other public spaces as part of the Kumbh Mela 2027 preparations. In the latest hearing, NGT extended its interim order, effectively preventing authorities in Nashik from cutting any trees until the next scheduled hearing on February 20, providing temporary relief to conservation efforts.
Minister Naik has expressed willingness to personally visit Tapovan soon to assess the situation firsthand. Additionally, he committed to instructing the additional secretary of the forest department to conduct an in-depth study of the tree-felling proposal and submit a detailed report, indicating a proactive approach to addressing the environmental concerns raised by the activists.
