BMC Officials Cleared in Chembur Tree Collapse Probe

A committee investigating the Chembur tree collapse that killed 11-year-old Vihan Shrivastav has cleared BMC officials of any wrongdoing. The probe found that contractors appointed for tree safety and road maintenance failed to take sufficient precautions.

The incident occurred on June 30 when a 60-year-old Peepal tree uprooted and crashed on a bus carrying 13 children. One student lost his life, and four others sustained injuries. Following the incident, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide suspended three officials for prima facie negligence.

The two-member committee, consisting of Deputy Municipal Commissioners Purshottam Malwade and Shahank Bhore, was formed to investigate the incident. The committee found that the BMC's garden department and roads department had taken proper care and were not at fault.

The garden department had inspected the area and pruned pre-monsoon trees as required. The roads department had also constructed a storm water drain near the tree, keeping a safe distance to avoid damaging it.

However, the committee found that the contractors had failed to take sufficient precautions. The gardens department had informed the roads department about the safety of the trees on April 9, 2025, and January 27, 2026. The roads department had sent a letter to Gawar Construction Limited, stating that care should be taken while excavating near the tree.

The committee has recommended fining the contractors ₹5 lakh and ₹2 lakh, respectively. The committee has also suggested 25 measures to prevent such incidents in the future and made three recommendations.

The investigation report has brought some closure to the incident, but it also highlights the need for better safety measures to prevent such tragedies. The BMC has taken steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.

The Chembur tree collapse incident has raised concerns about the safety of trees in the city. The BMC has a responsibility to ensure that trees are properly maintained and that contractors take necessary precautions while working near them.

In the aftermath of the incident, the BMC has taken steps to improve tree safety. The committee's recommendations will help to prevent such incidents in the future.

The incident has also highlighted the importance of proper maintenance and supervision of trees in the city. The BMC must ensure that contractors are held accountable for their actions and that proper safety measures are in place.

The committee's report has provided some answers, but it also raises questions about the accountability of contractors and the need for better safety measures. The BMC must take steps to address these concerns and ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.

In conclusion, the Chembur tree collapse incident has highlighted the need for better safety measures and proper maintenance of trees in the city. The BMC must take steps to address these concerns and ensure that contractors are held accountable for their actions.