India, Dec. 13 -- In a relief to protesting citizens and Green warriors, the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) Western Bench on Friday ordered a halt on the tree cutting enterprise in Tapovan, Nashik, until January 15, 2026. The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) sought suggestions and objections from the public, on November 11, the about clearing a large swathe of the verdant Tapovan to make way for Sadhugram where temporary homes would be set up for sadhus arriving for the Simhastha Kumbh to be held between 2026-'27.

Rough estimates by environmentalists suggest over 1700 trees will face the axe to set up Sadhugram. Over the last few weeks protestors have also alleged that a large part of the green cover has already been compromised.

NGT...