Girish Mahajan responds to Sayaji Shinde’s criticism over Tapovan tree-cutting for Kumbh preparations
Girish Mahajan
Minister Girish Mahajan has countered actor Sayaji Shinde’s objections to the Tapovan tree-cutting plan in Nashik, defending the move as essential for 2027 Kumbh Mela arrangements.
Nashik, November 30, 2025 – The debate over tree-cutting in Tapovan for the 2027 Kumbh Mela preparations escalated after Minister Girish Mahajan responded sharply to Marathi actor and environmental activist Sayaji Shinde. Shinde had publicly opposed the proposal to cut more than a thousand trees for expanding the Sadhugram area, accusing the government of harming the environment under the guise of development. His comments triggered widespread reactions from environmental groups and local citizens who share the concern over Nashik’s green cover.
Mahajan dismissed the allegations and said the project is being misrepresented. He stated that only those trees that cannot be transplanted will be removed and that the government has planned compensatory plantation at a much larger scale. According to him, the state intends to plant ten saplings for every tree cut and will carry out the work under expert supervision. He said preparations for Kumbh Mela demand upgraded infrastructure, and without expanding Sadhugram, it would be difficult to accommodate the huge number of sadhus and pilgrims expected to arrive in the city.
The minister also accused critics of spreading half-information. He said the government is committed to maintaining ecological balance and that Nashik will not suffer long-term damage as a result of the project. Mahajan added that tree transplantation is already being studied and trees that can be saved will be relocated safely. He stressed that the Kumbh Mela is an event of national significance and requires long-term planning, which includes improving access roads, space management and safety measures for pilgrims.
Sayaji Shinde, however, remains unconvinced. He argued that cutting old trees and replacing them with saplings does not restore the natural environment. He warned that once old trees are lost, no amount of plantation can truly compensate. Shinde’s stand has found support among local activists, who say the Tapovan forest belt is one of the few remaining natural spaces in the region. They worry that large-scale tree felling will disturb the area’s biodiversity and increase the risk of soil erosion and rising temperatures.
The dispute reflects a broader conflict between infrastructure expansion and environmental conservation. Nashik has been preparing for the 2027 Kumbh Mela with multiple development proposals, including road widening, accommodation upgrades and riverfront management. Many citizens accept the need for better planning but want the government to adopt more sustainable methods and avoid irreversible damage to natural spaces.
As the exchange between Mahajan and Shinde circulates widely, public pressure on the administration has increased. Environmental groups have indicated that they may organise peaceful protests if the government does not reconsider parts of the plan. Meanwhile, officials maintain that they are following due process and will only move ahead after completing environmental and technical assessments.
With the Kumbh Mela still two years away, the debate is likely to intensify as project work begins. For now, the disagreement between a senior minister and a popular actor has drawn attention to Nashik’s environmental concerns and put a spotlight on how development decisions are being made.
