India, Dec. 16 -- Amid growing criticism over the proposed felling of thousands of trees for infrastructure projects linked to the upcoming Kumbh Mela, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) on Sunday launched Harit Nashik, a year-long plantation drive aimed at boosting the city's green cover by planting 15,000 trees.

The initiative follows concerns raised by citizens and environmental groups over large-scale tree cutting planned across several parts of the city, including the ecologically sensitive Tapovan area. Civic officials said the programme seeks to underline the administration's commitment to environmental protection even as preparations for the mega religious event gain momentum.

The first phase of the plantation drive was carr...