BMC Takes Action Against Dangerous Trees After Heatwave
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated an urgent survey to identify dead and unsafe trees that pose a risk to public safety. The recent heatwave conditions, which peaked between February 20 and 27, have left several trees in the city vulnerable. With temperatures soaring to 38.7°C on February 25, many trees have been weakened by moisture loss and dried-out soil, increasing the likelihood of branches snapping or even entire trees toppling over.
The BMC’s civic gardens department has instructed tree officers across various civic wards to begin an immediate inspection of trees that could be hazardous. Priority will be given to trees with heavy canopies, deadwood, or compromised root systems—conditions that have been exacerbated by the city’s recent weather extremes. According to an official from the BMC, “Trimming and pruning of dangerous trees need to be done immediately, and the staff has been instructed to continue monitoring the situation until all necessary work is completed. We’ve also directed them to take before-and-after photos with time and date stamps to ensure accountability.” The civic body has contracted private contractors for the removal and pruning of dangerous trees, hoping to prevent any accidents as the risk of falling trees rises in this unpredictable climate.
Temperature records show that the city has been experiencing abnormal spikes in heat recently, particularly between February 20 and 27, which included two days of heatwave conditions. This unusual warmth is believed to have hastened the deterioration of tree health, especially for those in vulnerable areas. Authorities have also raised concerns about the ongoing infrastructural work in the city, particularly trenching and road concretisation projects, which are believed to have caused significant damage to the roots of many roadside trees. In response to the growing environmental concerns, some residents and activists have voiced their opposition to the city’s expanding network of cement concrete roads, arguing that such projects ignore the wellbeing of roadside trees. Just recently, a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed questioning the indiscriminate cementing of roads in areas without proper consideration for the trees’ health.
The BMC’s action comes in the wake of last year’s alarming incidents when falling trees caused fatalities. In July 2024, two tragic accidents were reported within a span of just a few days. A scooterist, Amit Jagtap, was killed when a banyan tree fell on him in the Worli BDD chawl area. A day later, Varsha Mistri, a homeless woman, also died when another banyan tree crashed on her in Parel. On July 5, two vehicles were damaged in Dadar after a tree fell onto them. These incidents have heightened public awareness about the urgent need for tree safety and proper pruning. The BMC’s tree survey will build on past efforts to ensure that Mumbai’s roadside trees are safe and well-maintained. Last year, ahead of the monsoon, the civic body had already tagged over 1 lakh roadside trees for trimming. According to a census conducted by the BMC, Mumbai has a total of 1,86,246 roadside trees, with many of them in critical condition due to urban expansion and climate factors.
As Mumbai grapples with rising temperatures and increasing urbanisation, the BMC’s proactive measures to safeguard public spaces and trees highlight the growing importance of balancing city development with environmental sustainability.
