India, March 29 -- The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) is under fire for allegedly felling trees under the guise of Kumbh Mela preparations. The matter reached the National Green Tribunal (NGT) after the city-based non-governmental organisation Manav Uthaan Manch filed a petition before its western bench earlier this month.

In its plea, the organisation alleged that thousands of trees are being cut across different parts of the city for projects associated with the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.

The organisation also pointed out a legal concern in its application regarding the municipal administration's role. It stated that, as per existing provisions, the municipal commissioner cannot routinely function as the tree officer, such powers can o...