India, Dec. 10 -- The fortnight-long 'zaad waachva' (save trees) agitation in Nashik, which began on November 24, has gathered momentum backed by litterateurs and Green warriors, just as it has shaken up political leaders ahead of the civic elections. At the heart of the agitation is Tapovan - a 150-acre vibrant green patch -- which locals celebrate as the abode of seers and saints, flora and fauna, along the banks of river Godavari, and which they wish to protect from being hijacked to build Sadhugram, where temporary homes will be set up for spiritual leaders who will converge for the Kumbh, to be held from October 2026 to September 2027.

Pictures and videos of locals making a beeline to Tapovan through the day holding demonstrations a...