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(Raj Thackeray) Against the backdrop of the upcoming Kumbh Mela, trees in Tapovan are going to be cut down. This tree cutting is being opposed, and now many reactions are coming in on this matter. In this context, MNS President Raj Thackeray has responded. Raj Thackeray said that for the upcoming Kumbh Mela, the government has decided to cut down 1,800 trees. The Kumbh Mela in Nashik is not happening for the first time.'
'During the tenure of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in the municipal corporation, the Kumbh Mela was also held. At that time, we built plenty of infrastructure. There was excellent communication between the then corporators and the administration, so while working, the needs of the public were taken into consideration. Overall, the planning was so outstanding that the then mayor, as the representative of the corporators, and the then commissioner, as the representative of the administration, were directly felicitated in America. While setting up this infrastructure, we did not have to cut down any trees. Then why is it necessary to cut trees for this Kumbh Mela now?'
'Well, cutting down these trees and then promising to plant trees elsewhere as compensation is an empty assurance the government should not give, because it never happens. And if the government has space elsewhere to plant five times more trees, then establish Sadhugram there itself. The government should not use the name of saints as an excuse to put something into the pockets of industrialists. And a few years ago, the BJP government had announced the planting of several crore trees, which have not been seen anywhere.'
Along with this, he further said, 'Anyway. Today, using the excuse of the Kumbh Mela to cut down trees, leveling the land in the name of saints, and then later donating it to our beloved industrialist! That must be the only thought of this government! Otherwise, what else is happening in Maharashtra these days? Either swallowing up land or working as brokers for industrialists is what the ruling ministers, MLAs, their relatives, and their circles seem to be doing. The people of Nashik are strongly opposed to this tree felling.'
'My appeal to the people of Nashik is that you remain firm, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena will stand behind you. There is actually no politics in this, even after the upcoming elections our opposition to this tree cutting will remain! My appeal to the government is not to unnecessarily escalate the conflict. See to it that the people's opinion is respected at some point. However, if the government takes a stance of conflict, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena is and will be with the people in this fight,' said Raj Thackeray.
Summary
Trees in Tapovan to be cut in view of the upcoming Kumbh Mela
Raj Thackeray's post on tree cutting in Tapovan
'My appeal to the people of Nashik is that you remain firm, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena will stand behind you'