BMC Appoints Expert Committee To Reinvestigate Chembur Tree Fall

A three-member expert committee has been appointed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to reinvestigate the Chembur tree fall tragedy that occurred on June 30, 2026. The committee, which includes botany expert and former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Sanjay Deshmukh, will submit its report within a month.

The decision to form a new committee comes two weeks after the BMC House and Mayor Ritu Tawde rejected the preliminary inquiry report, which had given a clean chit to the Roads and Gardens departments and fined the contractors for negligence. The BMC general body had found the report unacceptable, as no action was taken against the officers or engineers held responsible.

The Chembur tree fall incident resulted in the death of 11-year-old Vihan Shrivastav and injured four other children when a roadside tree collapsed on a school bus carrying them. The two-member committee that conducted the preliminary inquiry had consisted of Deputy Municipal Commissioners.

The new committee will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, studying the methodology used by the preliminary inquiry committee and analyzing the evidence presented. They will also evaluate the preliminary investigation report from various perspectives, including engineering, botany, ecology, and public administration.

The committee will undertake a scientific examination of the preliminary inquiry observations, analyze the root cause of the incident, and evaluate the interim measures recommended by the preliminary inquiry committee. They will also review the recommendations in the report and suggest future policy reforms.

The civic administration has instructed all concerned department heads to provide necessary documents to the committee and to be present during the site visit. The report will be submitted to Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide within a month.

The formation of the new committee is a significant step towards ensuring that a thorough investigation is conducted into the Chembur tree fall tragedy. The incident had raised concerns about the safety of trees in the city and the need for regular maintenance and inspection.

The BMC has come under criticism for its handling of the incident, and the formation of the new committee is seen as an attempt to address these concerns. The committee's report is expected to provide a detailed analysis of the incident and recommend measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The incident has also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the BMC's decision-making process. The rejection of the preliminary inquiry report and the formation of a new committee demonstrate the BMC's commitment to ensuring that a thorough investigation is conducted and that those responsible are held accountable.

In conclusion, the appointment of the expert committee to reinvestigate the Chembur tree fall tragedy is a significant step towards ensuring that justice is served and that measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The committee's report is expected to provide valuable insights into the incident and recommend measures to improve the safety of trees in the city.

The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of children in the city, and the need for greater vigilance and precautions to prevent such tragedies. The BMC's decision to form a new committee demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens, particularly children.

The report of the committee is expected to be submitted within a month, and it is hoped that it will provide a detailed analysis of the incident and recommend measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The BMC's decision to form a new committee is a significant step towards ensuring that justice is served and that measures are taken to improve the safety of trees in the city.