The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will commission a scientific study with experts from IIT Bombay and the University of Mumbai to examine the rising number of tree-fall incidents across the city during the ongoing monsoon. The civic body said the assessment will identify the key factors behind tree failures and help formulate long-term strategies for better urban tree management.
Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide said it would be inaccurate to blame the city’s ongoing road concretisation drive alone for the increase in tree falls. Addressing concerns raised by citizens and elected representatives, she said several factors influence tree stability, including ageing, species, root condition, soil quality, drainage, heavy rainfall, strong winds and previous structural damage.
Bhide said that although road construction activities may impact trees in certain situations, there is no scientific evidence at present to conclude that concretisation is the primary cause of recent incidents. She emphasised that any policy decisions should be guided by technical findings rather than assumptions.
Under the proposed study, specialists from IIT Bombay and the University of Mumbai will examine tree root systems, soil conditions, structural stability and the impact of nearby infrastructure. The experts are expected to recommend measures to improve tree health, reduce the risk of uprooting and strengthen maintenance practices across the city.
The initiative comes after multiple tree-fall incidents during recent spells of heavy rain and strong winds disrupted traffic, damaged vehicles, affected power supply and caused injuries in several parts of Mumbai. The incidents have also sparked debate over whether extensive road concretisation has reduced soil permeability around tree roots.
BMC officials said regular tree inspections and pruning are carried out before every monsoon as a preventive measure. However, they acknowledged that changing weather patterns, climate variability and an ageing urban tree population require a more scientific and comprehensive management approach.
The civic body added that the findings could influence future infrastructure planning by integrating tree protection measures into road and utility projects. The recommendations are also expected to shape future policies on planting, monitoring and maintaining roadside trees, helping Mumbai improve public safety while preserving its urban green cover.
Source: Prop News Time
