Mumbai: Nashik’s Tapovan area has a special place in Hindu mythology. In the Ramayana , it is referred to as the place Rama spent part of his exile and took a holy dip in the river Godavari. The forest area has now become a flashpoint between Nashik residents and the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government, which plans to clear 54 acres in Tapovan for a ‘Sadhugram’ to host sadhus visiting Nashik for the Simhasta Kumbh Mela.

Thousands of visitors and sadhus are expected to travel from across the country for the Simhastha Kumbh held in Nashik once every 12 years. This time, it will be held over a period of 18 months between 2026 and 2028.

The Nashik Municipal Corporation is locked in a fierce battle with local environmentalists and activists over the proposed tree cutting in

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