In recent weeks, Mumbai has witnessed a concerning surge in tree falls, attributed largely to extensive concretisation and ongoing road construction projects across the city. This phenomenon has not only resulted in fatalities and damaged vehicles but also underscored critical environmental and safety concerns.
Officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) have acknowledged that the widespread concretisation near tree bases has significantly weakened root systems, leading to several instances of tree collapses during the recent heavy rains. For instance, incidents such as the tragic deaths caused by falling banyan trees at Worli’s BDD Chawl and Parel highlight the detrimental impact of encroaching urban infrastructure on Mumbai’s green cover.
The root cause lies in concretisation practices that obstruct rainwater percolation, crucial for nourishing tree roots and maintaining their structural integrity. This obstruction deprives trees of essential water and nutrients, ultimately compromising their stability and resilience against natural forces like storms and heavy winds. Experts emphasize that older trees, with wider girths and expansive root systems, require more space around their bases to thrive. Despite guidelines mandating a one-metre radius of clear space during concretisation, critics argue that this is insufficient for mature trees, which necessitate larger exclusion zones to sustain their health and longevity.
To mitigate these risks, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has intervened, advocating for stricter adherence to spacing regulations and the implementation of soak pits along roadways to manage rainwater runoff effectively. Such measures, if rigorously enforced, could help alleviate the strain on Mumbai’s tree population and prevent avoidable accidents during monsoon seasons. The BMC’s approach to tree maintenance has come under scrutiny, with criticisms leveled at indiscriminate pruning practices that may further weaken tree structures. Advocates for sustainable urban development stress the importance of adopting scientific pruning techniques and investing in adequate equipment to preserve Mumbai’s green heritage.
