Nashik's Tree Protection Movement Fails to Influence Local Election Results
The Save Tapovan campaign in Nashik faced a significant setback during the recent municipal corporation elections. Activists launched this movement to oppose the planned removal of over 1,700 trees for the Sadhugram project. Despite gaining support from political leaders across various parties, the campaign could not sway voters in the crucial polls.
BJP Secures Complete Victory in Tapovan Wards
Contrary to expectations, the Bharatiya Janata Party achieved a clean sweep in all three wards covering the Tapovan locality. Ward numbers two, three, and four elected twelve BJP corporators, with four representatives from each ward. Across the entire city, the BJP strengthened its position by winning 72 out of 122 corporation seats. This marked an increase of six seats compared to their previous performance.
Sunil Kedar, the city unit president of BJP, clarified the situation regarding the tree felling controversy. He explained that the actual number of trees to be removed is much lower than the reported 1,700. According to Kedar, only smaller trees in areas previously used for Kumbh Mela tents will be affected, while larger trees will remain untouched. The party has committed to planting 15,000 new trees as compensation.
Mixed Response from Political Candidates
During the election campaign, 119 candidates from various political parties filed affidavits supporting the Save Tapovan movement. Notably, none of these candidates belonged to the BJP. Among these supporters, 45 individuals successfully won corporation seats. Meanwhile, the BJP secured 72 corporation positions without specifically mentioning the Tapovan issue in their election agenda.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed allegations that the BJP planned to hand over Tapovan land to builders under the guise of an exhibition center. During a public rally in Nashik, he reminded citizens that the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena held office in 2017 when the civic body decided to commercially develop the Tapovan area.
Activists Shift Focus to Newly Elected Corporators
Environmental campaigners have now turned their attention to the freshly elected corporation members. They hope these representatives will voice opposition to the administration's tree removal proposal. Rohan Deshpande, a former BJP state vice-president who resigned from his party position to lead the agitation, expressed his views on the election outcome.
Deshpande suggested that the BJP's silence on the Tapovan issue during campaigning indicated their confidence in winning the elections. He believes this confidence stemmed from strong support systems within the party. Despite the BJP's electoral success, activists remain hopeful that corporation members will support their cause in future discussions.
The National Green Tribunal has currently imposed a stay on any tree felling activities in the district. Since the matter remains sub judice, further developments await legal proceedings. The Save Tapovan campaign continues to monitor the situation while preparing for the next phase of their environmental protection efforts.
