NGT Orders Stay on Tree Cutting in Tapovan, Nashik Until January 15
Nashik
The National Green Tribunal has issued an interim order to halt tree cutting in Tapovan, Nashik until January 15, aiming to protect the local environment amid ongoing concerns.
Nashik, December 13, 2025 – The National Green Tribunal has ordered an immediate halt to tree cutting in the Tapovan area of Nashik, placing a temporary stay on all activity until January 15. The order follows growing public concern over large-scale felling in the region, which many residents and environmental groups believe could cause long-term ecological damage if allowed to continue.
Petitioners approached the tribunal after noticing ongoing tree removal that they feared was taking place without adequate environmental safeguards. They argued that Tapovan is an important green zone and that the loss of trees could disrupt local biodiversity, affect groundwater recharge and worsen heat conditions in the surrounding areas. The petition also raised questions about whether authorities had obtained the necessary clearances before beginning the work.
After reviewing initial submissions, the tribunal issued the interim stay and directed officials to produce all relevant permits and documentation justifying the activity. The order ensures that no further cutting takes place until these records are examined in detail. The tribunal noted that any development project involving tree felling must follow strict environmental procedures and that failure to do so can result in irreversible harm.
Residents in Nashik have welcomed the decision. Many had been raising concerns for weeks and felt that the cutting was proceeding too quickly and without adequate transparency. They say the tribunal’s order gives them hope that a fair review will take place and that the ecological sensitivity of Tapovan will be considered before any decisions are made.
Local environmental activists have called for a thorough assessment of the area to identify which trees can be preserved and whether the proposed work can be modified to reduce harm. They also want authorities to ensure that compensatory plantation commitments, if any, are clearly defined and tracked over time.
Officials from the municipal corporation and the forest department are now preparing their responses. They must submit records showing whether required permissions were obtained and whether environmental norms were followed. The tribunal will examine these submissions in the coming weeks before deciding on any further action.
Environmental experts say the case underscores the need for careful planning when modifying or clearing green spaces. Tree loss in growing cities like Nashik can affect air quality, rainfall patterns, soil stability and local wildlife habitats. They argue that courts and regulatory bodies play an essential role in balancing development with environmental responsibility.
As January 15 approaches, attention will remain focused on how authorities justify the cutting and whether the tribunal extends the stay or provides further directions. For now, the order has paused the activity and given environmental groups and residents an opportunity to ensure that Tapovan’s ecological value is not overlooked in development decisions.
