We will find a way to save the Nashik trees and also build Sadhugram: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

CM criticises those raising unnecessary objections over tree felling

Nashik: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said it is unfortunate that politics is being created around the felling of trees in Tapovan. He added that many of the people leading the protests are the same ones who earlier called religion an “opium pill”. The Chief Minister assured that a balanced solution would be found — one that protects the 4–5-year-old trees in Tapovan while also allowing the construction of Sadhugram.
He was speaking at a Nashik Municipal Corporation event.

Chief Minister said –

The holiness and purity of the Kumbh Mela will be preserved along with development. He emphasised that historical heritage and culture remain a priority.

The Kumbh is a symbol of Sanatan culture, highlights the importance of protecting rivers and trees. “No one likes cutting trees,” he said, adding that the Tapovan area originally had no trees and had been reserved for Sadhugram. The trees currently there were planted by the Municipality between 2017 and 2019.
While the Prayagraj Kumbh is held on nearly 15,000 hectares of land, Nashik has only about 350 acres available. “We will find a middle path to resolve this,” he assured.

The government has decided to build Sadhugram for sadhus during the Kumbh. This requires clearing some vegetation, which some environmental groups are opposing. Despite this, the government remains committed to its plan..

Both the Kumbh festival and the environment are important to us. He pointed out that Google Maps from 2015–16 show no trees in the Tapovan area. The saplings seen today were planted as part of the state’s ‘50 crore trees’ programme. Since the trees now stand on land earmarked for Sadhugram, the administration is considering removing only the necessary ones and replanting trees later.