Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly rejected allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is commercially exploiting Nashik's Tapovan area. He made these statements during a public rally on the banks of the Godavari river on Sunday, addressing growing criticism over a civic proposal to cut trees for a new development project.
Defending the Tapovan Development Plan
Fadnavis was responding to backlash against a Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) proposal to fell over 1,700 trees for a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) facility at Tapovan. Political parties, including allies within the ruling Mahayuti coalition at the state and centre, had labelled the plan a potential environmental disaster.
The deputy chief minister clarified the government's stance, stating that Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan has already assured that no large trees would be cut. He emphasized that a compensatory plantation drive has already begun for the 20,000 trees mentioned in the plan. "We will, however, stand by the high court ruling," Fadnavis added, underscoring compliance with judicial oversight.
Countering MNS and Highlighting Kumbh Priority
In a direct address to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, Fadnavis turned the tables on the opposition. He recalled that on April 16, 2016, when the MNS controlled the NMC, it passed a resolution for the commercial exploitation of the same land.
"The resolution said 54 acres of land was lying useless, on which open parking, entertainment, sports grounds, festivals, and a chowpatty can be set up, and the NMC can commercially exploit it," Fadnavis stated. In contrast, he asserted that when the BJP assumed office, it focused on planting trees as part of a statewide 50 crore sapling drive.
He stressed that the current plan ensures the space remains available for the Kumbh Mela every 12 years, with the NMC getting the land back for the duration of the mega festival. "The space is being put to best use to ensure it remains available for the Kumbh Mela," he affirmed.
Investment and Development Vision for Nashik
Fadnavis also responded to recent criticism from Shiv Sena leaders, including Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, about the pace of development in Nashik, a city he had 'adopted'. He pointed out that after 2019, a different government was in power in the state, but he continued to work for Nashik's progress.
Highlighting major economic gains, Fadnavis revealed that private investors have already committed Rs 50,000 crore in various projects in Nashik, with another Rs 50,000 crore in the pipeline. A significant part of this development includes a new defence corridor, which will necessitate a fresh 1,000-acre MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation) zone to house ancillary units.
Concluding his address, Fadnavis positioned the BJP's efforts as a balanced approach. The goal, he said, is to transform Nashik into a modern industrial city while meticulously preserving its profound cultural and traditional heritage.
