The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started an emergency tree inspection drive named "Dead Dangerous Tree". The survey will identify weakened trees at risk of falling. The inspection began on Monday, March 3, and will cover over 1,000 trees in eight days.
As per reports, officials will focus on areas where roadwork is ongoing. They expect to survey 500–1,000 trees in the first phase. The entire operation should be completed in a week. The goal is to prevent tree falls during the summer.
High temperatures and concretisation are weakening trees in the city. Mumbai recorded temperatures of 36 to 38 degrees Celsius between February 25 and 26. As temperatures rise, tree roots lose moisture and shrink. This makes it difficult for them to grip the ground, increasing the risk of trees falling.
Trees need space equal to their canopy for proper growth. However, contractors often fail to leave even a one-meter gap for the roots.
Activists have raised concerns over construction practices harming trees. Godfrey Pimenta, an activist, wrote to the state environment department about the issue. He talked about the over-concretisation of 50 trees in Sahar village, Andheri East. His letter stated that concrete around tree roots blocks water and air circulation.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered the BMC in 2015 to remove concrete within a meter of trees. The Tree Authority has also written to ward officials, asking them to follow the guidelines. Contractors failing to comply will face corrective action.
On April 17, 2024, environmental activist Zoru Bhathena also filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court. He demanded proper space for trees along highways. He stated that the BMC did not consider trees while making its road policy. He pointed out that trees on both sides of the road are required by law.
Mumbai has around 29.75 lakh trees. The last tree count was conducted in 2011. A new tree survey will be carried out this year to update the data.
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