Residents of Malabar Hill in Mumbai have raised serious concerns regarding the unscientific and haphazard tree trimming practices carried out by contractors hired by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The residents had previously voiced their objections to the manner in which the tree trimming was conducted and had met with Guardian Minister Deepak Kesarkar.
Following their meeting, Kesarkar ordered a temporary halt to the trimming exercise to address the grievances. Despite this, residents allege that the BMC contractors continue to trim the trees in a manner that is not scientifically sound, often resorting to indiscriminate hacking. One resident expressed frustration, stating, “There is no thought given to the way the trees are trimmed. Nobody knows whether they are being scientifically trimmed or cut. They are just being hacked left, right and centre.” In response to the escalating concerns, officials from the BMC D Ward have assured residents that their complaints will be thoroughly investigated. A senior official stated, “We will closely monitor the complaints of residents and the ward staff will supervise the trimming exercise.” During a meeting with residents, Guardian Minister Kesarkar had instructed the BMC Garden Superintendent to consult with forest and Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) officials to develop new guidelines for tree trimming. However, residents claim that they have not been informed about any new guidelines or seen any adherence to trimming norms since the minister’s directive.
A resident emphasised the need for greater transparency and communication from the BMC, saying, “Our demand is that the BMC put out detailed info, in the media or on social media such as Twitter, in advance about which tree is being trimmed or cut and the details of what and how it will be carried out. This will enable residents to keep check on the activity.” An activist pointed out the essential guidelines for tree trimming, stating that no more than 25 percent of a tree’s canopy should be cut at any given time. Furthermore, trimming should be carried out from the top to the bottom, not vice versa, to maintain the tree’s structural balance and health. The residents of Malabar Hill are urging the BMC to implement these guidelines rigorously and to ensure that tree trimming is conducted in a scientifically sound and environmentally responsible manner. The ongoing dissatisfaction highlights the need for better communication between the BMC and the community to protect the urban green cover and address environmental concerns effectively.
