In a dramatic confrontation, environmental activists and residents of Nashik city successfully intervened to stop a tree-cutting operation initiated by the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) on Saturday. The incident occurred at Tidke Colony and represents a growing conflict between citizens and civic authorities over the preservation of the city's green cover, particularly in the context of upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela projects.
Citizen Action Halts Axe Men
The protest was sparked when local nature lovers received information about the felling activity early in the morning. Upon rushing to the site, they discovered that a contractor hired by the NMC had already cut down 40 out of a slated 114 trees. The activists immediately confronted the officials present and demanded an immediate cessation of the work.
Amit Kulkarni, a resident and environmental advocate, recounted the events. "We got a call in the morning about the activities being carried out by NMC. By the time we reached the spot, significant damage had been done," he said. Kulkarni questioned the officials about compensatory plantation, to which they reportedly replied that the process was underway.
Legal Standoff and Past Precedents
The core of the activists' argument rests on a legal order. Kulkarni and others pointed to the January 6 order from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which had put a stay on the felling of trees across Nashik district until further notice. They accused the NMC of blatantly disregarding this judicial directive.
Kulkarni also drew parallels with previous conflicts, highlighting a pattern of unfulfilled promises. "Earlier, it was felling of the trees to set up the STP (Sewage Treatment Plant), and now the trees are being felled for the construction of a bridge," he stated. He expressed skepticism about the NMC's commitment to replanting, citing a visit to the earlier STP site where newly planted trees were struggling to survive despite assurances.
Following the confrontation, the activists contacted lawyer Sreeram Pingale, who had successfully moved the NGT to obtain the stay order on tree felling.
NMC's Defense and Planned Dialogue
Officials from the Nashik Municipal Corporation presented a different perspective. They defended their actions, stating that the work was legally sanctioned. An NMC officer clarified that the NGT order prohibited illegal felling, and their current activity fell within legal bounds.
"In this case, the hearing was conducted in September, and thereafter, the work order was given," the officer explained. He detailed the measures taken, claiming, "We saved 112 trees, transplanted four, and a plantation in lieu of those felled is being carried out. This is done following all legal procedure."
This event marks the second major flashpoint between environmentalists and the civic body. The first occurred in Tapovan, where the NMC's proposal to cut over 1,700 trees for the construction of Sadghugram (a pilgrim settlement) for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela faced fierce opposition.
In an attempt to resolve the impasse, the activist group is scheduled to meet NMC Commissioner Manisha Khatri on Monday. The outcome of this meeting is expected to determine the future course of action regarding the contentious development projects and the city's ecological balance.
