Desk Correspondent , Mumbai - The Pune bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) stayed tree-felling in Nashik till April 28 for road-widening works linked to the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The interim order was passed on Tuesday following a petition by local environmentalist Manish Baviskar. The tribunal directed the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) to present its stand at the next hearing on April 28.

Nashik Mayor Himgauri Aher-Adke defended the move on Thursday, saying the decision was not taken suddenly but after considering all factors. “In view of the growing traffic congestion, series of accidents and forthcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, expansion of roads is inevitable and conservation of trees has also been given preference,” she stated. The mayor added that environment-friendly measures in line with Supreme Court directives were being followed. She cited rising road accidents, noting that 31 citizens died and 23 were injured between 2015 and 2019, while police records showed 46 fatalities in recent years. Tree-felling had begun along Gangapur Road to widen the arterial route ahead of the Kumbh Mela, scheduled from October 31, 2026, to July 24, 2028, over 28 months. Authorities expect 12-15 crore devotees to visit Nashik-Trimbakeshwar.

The move triggered strong protests from residents who began demonstrations on Monday. While many oppose cutting trees, some locals support the widening for safety and development, arguing that hazardous trees must be removed. The NGT stay has temporarily halted work, giving both sides time to present their case on balancing environmental concerns with public safety and infrastructure needs for the mega religious event.