The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has ordered the immediate removal of concrete, asphalt and paver blocks around trees across the city, directing departments to keep at least one metre of open space around tree trunks to improve root growth, water absorption and stability during the monsoon.
Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde issued the instructions at a meeting held on Monday after officials and experts examined the causes of tree and branch falls during periods of strong winds and heavy rain. The civic body has also begun a special campaign to survey trees and remove hard surfaces installed around their bases.
For large trees, the corporation has ordered the creation of tree pits measuring at least 1.5 metres. The soil level inside the pit must remain at least six inches below the surrounding ground, while the surface around it should slope towards the pit to allow rainwater to percolate near the roots. The instructions prohibit brick or cement construction around the edges of these pits.
According to the report of the meeting, restricted root space, damage caused during development works, unscientific pruning, inadequate sunlight and the planting of unsuitable species were identified as major factors contributing to tree falls. Concrete, asphalt and paver blocks installed beside tree trunks can restrict both water infiltration and root expansion.
The civic instructions also address excavation for cables, water pipelines, sewerage systems and gas lines. Such work must be carried out under the supervision of garden assistants, and permission from tree officers must be obtained where necessary to prevent damage to roots. Any proposal requiring a tree to be cut or transplanted will continue to require prior approval from the Tree Authority.
The commissioner warned that unauthorised tree felling or actions causing harm to a tree could attract action under Section 21(1) of the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975. The order also directs that pruning be carried out scientifically and that native species be preferred for new plantations.
The corporation has prescribed planting norms for newly developed roads based on their width. Roads wider than 24 metres should provide for tree planting at 10-metre intervals. Roads between 12 and 24 metres should include trees on both sides at 10-metre intervals, while roads between six and 12 metres should provide planting at 20-metre intervals. Median spaces of four to five feet are to be reserved for shrubs and plants, with linked medians suggested where that space is unavailable.
The special campaign is intended to protect Navi Mumbai’s existing tree cover by restoring open soil, drainage and root space around trees. The municipal corporation’s next step is to survey trees across the city and remove concrete, asphalt and paver blocks found around their bases.
