Activist Sues BMC, TMC Over Tree Concretisation

A recent spate of fatal tree collapse incidents in Mumbai and Thane has prompted an environmental activist to serve a legal notice to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). The notice accuses the civic bodies of allowing unscientific concretisation around trees, which has led to root damage and increased the risk of tree collapse.

The activist, Rohit Joshi, has given the BMC and TMC seven days to frame a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address the issue, survey vulnerable trees, and begin corrective action. If the civic bodies fail to comply, the matter will be taken to the Bombay High Court. The notice was served by Advocate Ronita Bhattacharya Bector on behalf of Joshi.

The recent monsoon season has seen a significant increase in tree collapse incidents, resulting in the deaths of three people in Mumbai and one in Thane. The notice alleges that over 1,856 trees have collapsed in the past two weeks alone due to root damage caused by indiscriminate concretisation around tree bases.

Joshi has also criticised the BMC's July 3 circular, which prescribes a 0.3- to 1-metre open space around tree trunks. He claims that this is grossly inadequate and has demanded a minimum 2-metre radius and 3-metre depth around trees be kept completely free of concrete to ensure healthy root growth and stability.

The notice also objects to the practice of using concrete cutters to sever tree roots during the monsoon, warning that it significantly increases the risk of tree collapse. It calls for all deconcretisation work to be carried out only under the supervision of qualified arborists, horticulturists, and environmental experts.

The Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, requires the Tree Authority to assist cooperative housing societies in felling, pruning, and maintaining dangerous trees. However, the notice alleges that the TMC has failed to provide such assistance on private properties.

Experts have raised safety concerns over the BMC's guidelines, with Stalin D., Director of NGO Vanashakti, terming the July 3 circular 'unscientific'. He argues that large trees require far greater lateral root space for anchorage and nourishment, and that shallow tree basins can trap water, weaken stability, and increase the risk of collapse.

The issue of tree safety has been a concern in Mumbai for some time, with the city's rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development leading to the destruction of tree roots and the increased risk of tree collapse. The BMC and TMC have a responsibility to ensure that trees are properly maintained and that the risk of tree collapse is minimised.

The legal notice served by Joshi is a significant step towards addressing the issue of tree safety in Mumbai and Thane. If the civic bodies fail to comply with the notice, it is likely that the matter will be taken to the Bombay High Court, which could lead to significant changes in the way that trees are maintained in the city.

In the meantime, residents of Mumbai and Thane are advised to be cautious when walking near trees, especially during the monsoon season. The risk of tree collapse is higher during this time, and it is essential to be aware of the potential dangers.

The incident highlights the need for the BMC and TMC to take immediate action to address the issue of tree safety. The civic bodies must work together to ensure that trees are properly maintained and that the risk of tree collapse is minimised. This can be achieved by implementing a comprehensive tree maintenance programme, which includes regular surveys of vulnerable trees, deconcretisation of tree bases, and the provision of assistance to cooperative housing societies in felling, pruning, and maintaining dangerous trees.

In conclusion, the issue of tree safety is a significant concern in Mumbai and Thane, and it is essential that the BMC and TMC take immediate action to address the issue. The legal notice served by Joshi is a significant step towards addressing the issue, and it is likely that the matter will be taken to the Bombay High Court if the civic bodies fail to comply. Residents of Mumbai and Thane must be cautious when walking near trees, especially during the monsoon season, and the civic bodies must work together to ensure that trees are properly maintained and that the risk of tree collapse is minimised.

The matter has significant implications for the city, as it highlights the need for the BMC and TMC to take a proactive approach to tree maintenance. The civic bodies must work together to ensure that trees are properly maintained, and that the risk of tree collapse is minimised. This can be achieved by implementing a comprehensive tree maintenance programme, which includes regular surveys of vulnerable trees, deconcretisation of tree bases, and the provision of assistance to cooperative housing societies in felling, pruning, and maintaining dangerous trees.

Ultimately, the issue of tree safety is a complex one, and it requires a comprehensive approach to address. The BMC and TMC must work together to ensure that trees are properly maintained, and that the risk of tree collapse is minimised. The legal notice served by Joshi is a significant step towards addressing the issue, and it is likely that the matter will be taken to the Bombay High Court if the civic bodies fail to comply.