NGT Implements Interim Ban on Nashik Tree Cutting Until April 28
In a significant development for environmental conservation, the Pune bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has granted an interim stay on the felling of trees in Nashik city until April 28. This decision offers temporary relief to environmental activists who have been vigorously opposing the Nashik Municipal Corporation's (NMC) extensive tree-cutting campaign, which is purportedly linked to development works in preparation for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
Urgent Hearing and Judicial Intervention
The interim order was issued during an urgent hearing on April 7, presided over by Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and judicial member Sujit Kumar Bajpayee of the NGT's Pune bench. The hearing addressed an application filed by city-based tree activist Manish Baviskar against the NMC, registered as original application No. 38/2026. Advocate Shriram Pingle, representing the petitioner, confirmed to TOI that the tribunal has explicitly ordered an interim stay on all tree felling activities in Nashik until the next hearing date of April 28.
Pingle elaborated that the bench was informed about the large-scale tree cutting being undertaken by the civic body under the guise of various development projects, many of which are connected to the preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. During the proceedings, the petitioner presented live visuals of trees being actively cut in areas such as Gangapur Road through a video call, which prompted the tribunal to take up the matter urgently and issue the interim order.
Legal Actions and Municipal Response
Following the hearing, Pingle issued a notice to the NMC, informing them about the NGT's interim order and cautioning that any violation of the directions would constitute contempt of court. He mentioned that the detailed written order was expected to be uploaded on the tribunal's website later that day. In response, NMC commissioner Manisha Khatri stated, "We are waiting for the order and will comply with the instructions of the honourable court."
Petitioner's Allegations and Environmental Concerns
In his plea, Baviskar challenged 35 public notices issued by the NMC between November 12, 2025, and March 10, 2026, alleging illegal and indiscriminate tree felling across the city. The petition highlighted several critical issues:
- Many notices were issued without adequate supporting data and, in numerous cases, did not even specify the number of trees proposed to be cut.
- While officials had indicated that approximately 1,800 trees would be felled, the petitioner alleged that the actual number could exceed 5,000.
- Around 1,500 trees have already been cut without following due legal procedure and in violation of earlier orders passed by the Bombay High Court.
- The civic body made false claims regarding compensatory afforestation, with not a single tree reportedly planted or preserved on the ground.
- Despite the conclusion of municipal elections, the statutory tree authority has not been constituted, and objections raised by vigilant citizens were either ignored or disposed of without reasoned orders.
The petitioner has accused the NMC of using preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela as a pretext for rampant and ecologically harmful tree felling, which could have long-term adverse consequences for Nashik's environment.
Public Protests and Further Proceedings
On Monday, environmental activists and residents staged a protest against the NMC's tree felling drive along Gangapur Road. Police detained 17 activists for a few hours as a preventive measure to avoid any law and order issues before releasing them. Baviskar noted that this protest and the ongoing tree cutting were specifically brought to the NGT's attention, leading to the urgent hearing and the granting of the interim stay. The matter is now scheduled for further hearing later this month, with environmentalists hopeful for a permanent resolution to protect Nashik's green cover.
