The National Green Tribunal’s western zone bench has stayed the cutting of trees in Tapovan, Nashik, until January 15, 2026. This follows an application by Shriram Pingale, who said thousands of trees were being cut without proper Environmental Impact Assessment for Kumbh Mela 2027 preparations. The NGT asked Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, Nashik Divisional Forest Officer, and Nashik Municipal Commissioner to form a joint committee. This team must visit the site, notify the applicant in advance, and submit a report within two weeks. Meanwhile, no trees can be cut beyond legal limits, the NGT order said. The project involves clearing over 1800 trees on a 34-acre land to build a Sadhugram and MICE hub costing ₹300 crore. This plan has sparked protests from environmentalists, citizens, artists, and political parties. Pingale also claimed that tree felling was happening on main roads and public areas without following tree preservation laws. Environmentalist Devang Jani welcomed the NGT order, saying the authorities had never done a proper tree survey despite yearly budgets. Nashik Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri declined to comment, saying she had not seen the order yet.