In Nashik, known as India’s grape capital, protests heat up against the BJP’s plan to cut 1,800 trees in the historic Tapovan area. This plan is to build Sadhugram and an exhibition hub for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela next year. The project is worth ₹300 crore. Both factions of Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray, have protested together in Nashik, targeting the BJP. This clash has political undertones tied to upcoming local elections and control of this key industrial region. A temporary stay on tree cutting was granted by the National Green Tribunal and Bombay High Court after environmental groups challenged the government move. Marathi writer Tara Bhavalkar also asked the Chief Minister to scrap the plan, citing Tapovan’s sacred history. At a Marathi literary event, she spoke about its cultural importance and the need to protect it. Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA, supported the locals by joining their protest and promised, “We will not let it succeed.” Nearby, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena candidate, Ajay Boraste, has led protests for days, declaring the plan a threat to Nashik’s identity and environment. Boraste told The Hindu, “This is Tapovan. Prabhu Ramchandra lived here. The greenery is Nashik’s identity. Cutting trees to build concrete is unacceptable.” Local residents, including children and teachers, have joined the protests. A 9-year-old said, “Trees are our life. We want trees for our survival.” Teacher Jagbir Singh, an NGO member, said, “This is a people's movement. The 34-acre green zone is vital. We want this land preserved and alternate sites used.” Many protestors are angry with the government’s ‘adamant’ stand, asserting the land should serve the public, not developers. Nashik officials remain silent on the matter since it is subjudice but assured cooperation with citizens. BJP’s Sunil Kedar called the protests “misdirected” and said only a few non-native trees would be removed. He highlighted BJP’s effort to plant 15,000 new trees in Nashik. The battle over Tapovan’s trees is far from over, with the Simhastha Kumbh Mela less than a year away.