NMC proposes felling of 17 trees & transplantation of three others along Ambad MIDC road for widening ahead of Kumbh

Nashik: The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has proposed cutting 17 trees and transplantation of three others along the Garware Point to XLO Point stretch in the Ambad MIDC industrial estate to enable road widening ahead of the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.As part of the process, the civic body has sought suggestions and objections from the residents. The proposal forms a key component of NMC's larger initiative to upgrade road infrastructure before the mega religious event. "Widening this crucial route is necessary because it links the Ambad and Satpur MIDC areas and is expected to experience a sharp increase in traffic during the Kumbh period. The project includes white-topping the road and aims to enhance traffic flow along the 9km corridor from Garware Point to Papaya Nursery via XLO Point," a civic official said.Of the 20 trees identified, three would be transplanted, while the remaining 17 would be felled. "Compensatory plantation will be carried out in accordance with norms. Based on the estimated average age of the trees, around 10 years, NMC plans to plant more than 200 saplings of indigenous species across the city to balance the ecological impact," the official said.The residents have been given time until Feb 5 to submit their responses to the proposal. According to officials, the road project was crucial for managing the heavy vehicular pressure anticipated during the Kumbh Mela.NMC has already completed the tendering process for widening and white-topping the 9km stretch, estimated to cost Rs 175 crore. A work order has been issued, and construction is expected to commence soon.