Nashik Activists Stage Silent Protest Over Delayed Decision on Tree Felling
In a significant display of environmental concern, activists in Nashik organized a silent foot march on Thursday to the headquarters of the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC). The protest was directed at the civic body's failure to clarify its position on a contentious proposal to cut down approximately 1,700 trees at Tapovan, a move intended to facilitate the development of Sadhugram.
Mounting Opposition and Civic Inaction
The NMC had previously invited public suggestions and objections regarding the tree felling proposal, holding hearings last November. During this process, the corporation received around 900 objections from residents and activists, submitted both online and offline. Despite this substantial public feedback, more than three and a half months have passed without any clear communication from the NMC regarding its final decision on the matter.
This prolonged silence prompted the activist community, led by MNS leader Amit Thackeray, to take direct action. The march commenced at Hutatma Smarak near the district collectorate and proceeded to Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan, symbolizing a peaceful yet firm demand for accountability.
Political Support and Mayoral Assurance
During the protest, a delegation of activists engaged in discussions with Nashik Mayor Himgauri Aher. In response to their concerns, the mayor committed to establishing a dedicated committee to examine the Tapovan tree felling issue comprehensively. "We will form the committee that will include officials from the NMC and the activists to discuss the Tapovan tree felling issue," Mayor Aher stated during her interaction with the protesters.
Amit Thackeray, addressing reporters, emphasized his role in supporting the activists and seeking clarity from the civic authorities. "As NMC commissioner Manisha Khatri was not available, we met the mayor who assured us of forming the committee to discuss the issue," Thackeray explained. He further highlighted that during the previous Kumbh Mela in 2015, when the MNS held power in the NMC, the event was successfully conducted without any tree felling at Tapovan, suggesting alternative approaches are feasible.
Broader Community Concerns Over Kumbh Mela Preparations
The protest against tree felling is part of a larger wave of local opposition to infrastructure projects linked to the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela. Farmers from 25 villages surrounding Trimbakeshwar have voiced strong objections to the Nashik district administration's plans for temporary land acquisition aimed at creating parking lots for the mega event.
In response to these concerns, the district administration has instructed local authorities to identify suitable land parcels that could be converted into parking facilities to manage anticipated traffic during the Amrit Snan, scheduled from July to September 2027. A senior district official elaborated, "Talathis have been instructed to find out the land parcels that can be developed into parking lots. These land parcels could be open spaces near the roads, the gram panchayat lands or even the farms that could be used to park the vehicles where various other services also could be raised for the pilgrims."
The silent march underscores a growing civic engagement in Nashik, where residents are actively challenging development projects that pose potential environmental and social impacts. The formation of the promised committee will be closely watched as a critical step toward transparent and inclusive decision-making.
