Maharashtra Water Resources and Kumbh Mela Minister Girish Mahajan has assured that a large-scale replantation initiative will accompany the tree cutting taking place at Sadhugram in Tapovan for upcoming Kumbh Mela preparations. Speaking on Thursday, the minister said the government will plant ten saplings for every single tree removed during the development work.
Mahajan stressed that the administration is trying to minimize ecological damage while readying infrastructure for the next Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which will bring lakhs of devotees to Nashik. He also mentioned that many trees from the site are suitable for transplantation and will be shifted to new locations instead of being destroyed.
According to the minister, the replantation initiative is part of a broader plan to ensure that the massive religious gathering does not lead to long-term ecological harm. He said the state wants the event to be both spiritually significant and environmentally responsible.
Work at Sadhugram, a key hosting point for sadhus and pilgrim settlements, has gained momentum in recent weeks. The government is also pushing forward other development projects connected to the mela, including upgraded ghats, enhanced riverfront arrangements, and crowd-management facilities in Trimbakeshwar.
Mahajan added that the decision to plant ten saplings per tree reflects the administration’s commitment to restoring green cover in the region. As preparations intensify, the government hopes this compensatory plantation plan will address concerns raised by environmental groups and local residents.
With the Kumbh Mela drawing closer, authorities are expected to speed up both infrastructure development and ecological balancing efforts to ensure a safe, organised and environmentally conscious event next year.
