NMC proposes cutting 454 more trees for Kumbh-related road expansion

Nashik: The civic body has proposed felling 454 additional trees across three major stretches as part of widening and strengthening works ahead of the upcoming Kumbh Mela. The civic administration on Saturday issued separate public notices, inviting suggestions and objections from people for proposed cutting of trees for road projects in the city. Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has urged residents to submit their suggestions and objections within seven days, by Feb 20. On Gangapur Road, 319 trees have been proposed to be cut between Bardan Phata and Sula Chowk, while another 16 trees will be transplanted on the same stretch. "We will transplant 16 trees, which are of indigenous species like pipal and banyan," said NMC officials. NMC has also proposed felling 94 trees along the Sangam Bridge – Takligaon to Vijay Mamta Chowk route. Additionally, 41 trees have been proposed to be felled along the Lekhanagar–Kalangar–Ashoka Marg corridor to facilitate infrastructure upgrades. On Friday, too, NMC had proposed felling of 51 trees from Papaya Nursery to XLO point stretch of the city that connects two major MIDCs, Satpur and Ambad, located in the jurisdiction of NMC. Civic officials said residents who raise objections and provide suggestions will be invited to a hearing on the objections, likely to be held towards the end of this month or early next month. NMC officials said compensatory plantation will be undertaken shortly. The number of saplings to be planted will depend on the estimated age of the trees being felled. If the average age of affected trees is around 15 years, the corporation will be required to plant saplings accordingly. Meanwhile, environmentalists and social activists demanded that the Nashik Municipal Corporation develop and strengthen the road without removing trees. "We want the civic body to ensure a green Kumbh without cutting trees in large numbers." They also demanded that the civic body explore alternative alignments and ensure that large, mature, and indigenous trees are preserved wherever possible. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and quotes !