The Maharashtra government has eased its position on the controversial tree axing plan at Tapovan in Nashik for the upcoming Kumbh Mela. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said only the minimum number of trees should be cut and took a swipe at those “doing politics” over the issue.

The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has proposed cutting nearly 1800 trees for the construction of the Sadhu Gram in Nashik’s Tapovan area. The proposal to cut trees for the Kumbh Mela 2027 has faced strong opposition from actors, environmentalists, nature lovers, Opposition parties, ruling party members, and local residents.