NGT Bars Tree Felling in Nashik Until January 2026 Over Kumbh Mela Preparations
Pune/Nashik, 13th December 2025: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) bench in Pune on Friday directed authorities in Nashik not to cut any trees “other than as prescribed under the law” until January 15, 2026. The order comes amid concerns over the proposed felling and transplantation of trees in the city ahead of the Kumbh Mela 2027.
The tribunal was hearing an urgent application filed by lawyer Shriram Pingale, who challenged the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) and the Nashik Tree Authority’s plan to remove or transplant trees across key locations, including main arterial roads, the Godavari riverfront, approach roads to Trimbakeshwar, and other public spaces to facilitate development for the upcoming festival.
“We find a substantial question relating to the environment is made out in the present Original Application. Therefore, we deem it appropriate to issue notice to respondent number-1 (NMC) and respondent number-3 (Tree Authority) only, directing them to submit their response within four weeks,” said the NGT bench, comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert member Sujit Kumar Bajpayee.
The tribunal also ordered the formation of a joint committee consisting of representatives from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Nashik, and the municipal commissioner. “The committee is directed to conduct an onsite inspection after giving prior notice to the applicant and submit its report within two weeks,” the bench added.
In his plea, Pingale alleged that the Tree Authority had granted permissions in a mechanical manner, without public notice or conducting the mandatory Tree Census. He also questioned the justification provided for “Sadhugram” construction, which involves building permanent residences for sadhus—nomadic religious ascetics—for an event that occurs once every 12 years.
The NGT’s interim order effectively halts any tree-cutting activity in Nashik beyond what is legally permitted, pending submission of reports and responses from the concerned authorities.
