Over 61% of audited trees in 12 Mumbai areas suffer concrete damage at roots
A survey across 12 Mumbai neighbourhoods reveals that more than 61% of trees have their bases trapped in concrete, raising safety concerns. The findings stem from a petition seeking to address tree fall incidents in the city.
A comprehensive survey of trees across 12 neighbourhoods in Mumbai and surrounding suburbs has uncovered a troubling situation: over 61% of the audited trees have their root bases encased in concrete, potentially compromising their structural integrity and stability.
The audit was initiated following a petition filed with the Bombay High Court in 2023 by an activist alongside family members of victims who lost their lives in tree fall incidents across the city. The petition specifically sought court intervention to address the practice of de-concreting tree bases, which experts argue restricts root growth and weakens trees' ability to withstand environmental stress.
Concrete encasement around tree bases is a widespread urban practice in Mumbai. While intended to protect trees from damage and create cleaner pavements, the practice inadvertently harms the trees themselves. When concrete surrounds a tree's base, it prevents water infiltration, restricts root expansion, and disrupts the natural soil-air exchange essential for healthy tree growth. Over time, this leads to weakened root systems that cannot adequately support the tree's canopy, significantly increasing the risk of unexpected falls, particularly during monsoon season when soil becomes saturated and trees face heightened wind loads.
The survey's findings carry serious implications for Mumbai's urban forestry and public safety. With thousands of trees distributed across the city's residential and commercial areas, any compromise to their structural health poses risks to pedestrians, vehicles, and property below. The data suggests that the problem is not isolated to a few trees but represents a systemic issue affecting the majority of audited specimens across multiple neighbourhoods.
The petition in the High Court seeks directives from municipal authorities to systematically remove concrete from tree bases and implement alternative protective measures that do not compromise tree health. Experts and environmental advocates argue that removing concrete, restoring soil permeability, and ensuring proper drainage around trees would significantly reduce fall incidents while promoting healthier urban forests.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and other relevant authorities are expected to respond to these findings and the court's directions regarding remedial measures. Environmental groups have called for urgent action to prevent further tragedies and restore the structural health of the city's green cover.
