Outgrown: Roots of a peepal tree (above) fall into a drain that passes between the two houses in Andheri. PICS/Uday Devrukhkar

I would like to bring to the BMC's notice that residents of some houses of the Maladhari Rahivashi Sangh, a slum society in Andheri, are living in the fear of getting killed in a house collapse every day.

A peepal tree stands between two houses in the society and a part of its bark and some of its roots fall into a drainage that passes between the two houses. The tree shakes when strong winds blow, especially during rains, and it may fall on either of the houses any time.

Fearing a mishap, members of the society have written to various authorities to trim the tree (a letter dated May 10, addressed to corporator Manohar Panchal of ward K-East of Andheri, another addressed to the ward officer of Andheri, dated July 10, and the third letter dated July 20 and addressed to assistant commissioner of ward K-East). But, in spite of our repeated requests, no action has been taken so far. 

While some people believe that one should not cut a peepal tree, as it is considered inauspicious, our request to the BMC is to at least trim the tree, and save our houses from getting crushed. I hope the BMC will initiate action soon.

Vallabh B More
Andheri (E)