NGT Extends Stay on Tree Felling in Nashik’s Tapovan Area Till April 6
Pune, 4th March 2026: The western bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has extended its interim stay on tree felling in Nashik’s Tapovan area until April 6. The order, uploaded on February 23 following the latest hearing, noted that the tribunal did not examine the joint committee’s report during the proceedings.
The case relates to large-scale tree cutting proposed for the development of Sadhugram at Tapovan, where temporary shelters are planned for seers attending the Simhastha Kumbh Mela scheduled between 2026 and 2027.
In November 2025, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) invited public suggestions and objections regarding the proposed removal of substantial green cover. The move triggered protests from local residents and environmental activists, who raised concerns over ecological damage and compliance with environmental norms.
In December, Pune-based advocate Shriram Pingle approached the NGT, alleging violations of mandatory environmental procedures. The tribunal granted an immediate stay on tree felling and constituted a joint committee to inspect the site and submit a report with recommendations.
Although the committee filed its report on February 20, it was not circulated to all parties, preventing them from submitting responses. The tribunal observed that formal notices had not been issued to several respondents, including the State Urban Development Department, the Chief Conservator of Forests, the Forest Department, and the Maharashtra State Tree Authority. The bench directed its registry to circulate the report to all concerned parties and granted four weeks for replies.
According to the committee’s findings, the NMC identified 1,825 trees at the proposed site. Of these, around 1,575 fall within the construction footprint. The civic body has proposed felling 1,229 trees, transplanting 17, pruning or trimming 289, and retaining 40. Species marked for felling include Kashid (552), Babul (470), and Nilgiri (45).
The report also states that the NMC has initiated compensatory plantation under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, with a plan to plant 15,000 trees measuring 12 to 15 feet in height. So far, 3,616 saplings have been planted. Committee members visited three plantation sites on January 9 and February 11 and found the survival rate to be satisfactory.
The panel emphasised that the Tree Authority must take a final decision on the NMC’s proposal strictly in accordance with due process. It reiterated that no tree felling should take place without formal approval from the competent authority and full compliance with prescribed conditions.
The interim stay will remain in force until the next hearing, scheduled after respondents file their replies within the four-week period. The tribunal will then consider the committee’s report and submissions before passing further orders.
