BMC Seeks Expert Help On Tree Falls

Mumbai has witnessed a series of fatal tree falls in recent days, prompting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to seek expert help from institutions like IIT Bombay and the University of Mumbai.

The tree falls have put the BMC's mega road concretisation project under scrutiny, with many blaming the project for the collapses. However, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has rejected claims that road concretisation is the sole reason for the tree falls during the monsoon.

According to Bhide, many affected trees are located along footpaths, where concretisation, paver blocks, and excavation for underground utility lines may have weakened root systems by restricting water infiltration and causing root damage. The BMC will be consulting tree experts and institutions to examine the issue, identify the underlying causes of tree falls, and recommend measures to protect trees.

So far this monsoon, 830 trees have fallen across Mumbai, including 480 on private properties, while 1,238 branches have collapsed, of which 709 were from private premises. The BMC is exploring scientific interventions, including mapping the spread of tree roots and creating perforated openings with protective grilles around trees to allow water to reach the roots.

A similar pilot has already been carried out in the Malabar Hill area and is being considered for wider implementation. Bhide added that many of Mumbai's trees are 50-60 years old and require special protection during infrastructure works. The BMC has planted over 10 lakh trees across Mumbai in the past few years, while the city's tree census conducted in 2018 recorded nearly 30 lakh trees.

The civic body will consult experts to determine suitable locations and species for compensatory plantation wherever trees are lost due to storms or other natural causes. Nearly half of all the tree falls recorded this year occurred on a single day following the recent spell of extreme rainfall and strong winds.

According to BMC data, 655 trees fell in 2022, 687 in 2023, 653 in 2024, 855 in 2025, and 830 so far in 2026, of which 480 were on private properties. During the current monsoon, 1,238 branches have also fallen, including 709 from private premises.

The 2018 tree census recorded nearly 29.75 lakh trees in Mumbai, of which around two lakh are located along roadsides. These trees are particularly vulnerable as they are exposed to heavy traffic, infrastructure works, and extreme weather, making them more susceptible to falls.

The BMC's decision to consult experts from IIT Bombay and the University of Mumbai is a step towards addressing the issue of tree falls in the city. With the monsoon season still ongoing, the civic body's efforts to protect the city's trees and prevent further falls are crucial.

In the coming days, the BMC is expected to announce further measures to protect the city's trees, including the implementation of scientific interventions and compensatory plantation. The civic body's efforts will be closely watched by Mumbai residents, who are concerned about the safety and well-being of the city's trees.