The Pune bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered a temporary halt on tree-felling activities in Nashik linked to preparations for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, directing authorities to maintain status quo until April 28, reported news agency PTI.

The interim stay was issued during a hearing on a petition filed by environmentalist Manish Baviskar, who raised concerns over large-scale cutting of trees, particularly along key roads in the city. The tribunal has asked the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) to present its response at the next hearing, reported PTI.