Nashik, Maharashtra, with a population of 2.5 million, is at the center of a significant dispute as it prepares for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, one of India's largest religious gatherings, expected to attract 80 million devotees from October 31, 2026, to July 24, 2028. The government is pushing forward with infrastructure projects worth ₹35,000 crore to enhance facilities for the influx of pilgrims, including the felling of over 3,000 trees, some over 300 years old. However, this has sparked protests from local residents and environmentalists who argue that the city's green cover is being sacrificed for development. The Pune bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has intervened, temporarily halting tree felling until April 28, 2024, after a petition by environmentalist Manish Baviskar. Activists contend that the ecological balance is crucial and that alternatives should be considered rather than cutting down mature trees. While some residents support the development for economic growth, others express concern over safety and the environmental impact of such actions. The conflict highlights the tension between faith, infrastructure needs, and environmental preservation in Nashik.