Thousands of trees in Mumbai and Thane could benefit from a major intervention after the Bombay High Court directed both municipal corporations to ensure that trees have adequate, breathable space around their trunks and roots.
The court has asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to remove concrete and other hard surfaces surrounding tree trunks wherever possible. Where complete de-concretisation cannot be carried out, authorities have been directed to examine scientifically appropriate alternatives.
A survey of 1,115 trees across 12 wards found that 684, or 61.34%, were surrounded by concrete and required intervention. The situation was particularly severe in Thane, where all trees included in the sample were found to need remedial action. In Mumbai, wards including H West, K West, R Central and T also recorded extensive concretisation around trees.
The findings highlight that a healthy-looking canopy does not necessarily indicate a healthy tree. Concrete can restrict the movement of air and water into the soil, while excessive moisture and fungal growth can damage roots and the base of the trunk. In some cases, this can weaken trees and increase the risk of sudden failure during strong winds.
Experts have pointed out that small gaps around trunks or decorative planters may not provide sufficient protection. A tree’s active roots are largely concentrated within the upper 300 mm of soil and can extend considerably beyond its canopy.
The survey also found instances of buried root flares and damage caused by trenches dug for utilities such as water pipelines, drainage and cables. Private societies, commercial properties and institutional campuses have largely remained outside the scope of the inspections conducted so far.
The report recommends genuine de-concretisation, including exposing root flares, removing debris and restoring breathable soil. It also proposes stronger protection standards for trees during road and footpath works, along with a coordinated system involving civic departments, engineers and arborists.
“A city’s progress should not be measured only by the infrastructure it builds, but also by the natural infrastructure it protects,” said petitioner Rohit Joshi.
“The Honourable Court’s direction to include urban planning experts and arborists is an extremely important step. To ensure our city’s trees get the open space and scientific management they need to survive, we are keen to hold constructive discussions with the municipal administration.”
Source: Pune Times Mirror
