BMC begins risk assessment of Mumbai trees after Chembur tragedy

School bus that was damaged in the incident on 11th Road, Chembur East, on June 30. PIC/SARTHAK MEHTA

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has kick-started its action plan to classify Mumbai's trees by risk level and create a database of their health, age, and structural condition.

The decision comes in the wake of the death of 11-year-old Vihaan Shrivastava, who was killed after a 60-year-old tree collapsed on a school bus ferrying 13 children in Chembur on June 30, and is part of administrative measures to be taken to prevent such mishaps. Between June 22 and July 17, 2026, 902 trees were uprooted, and 1251 branches fell across public areas in Mumbai.

Vihaan Shrivastava, the 11-year-old who lost his life in the mishap

At a meeting this week between BMC officials, tree experts, botanists, and environmentalists, the civic body decided to conduct a ward-wise survey of trees with the help of botany experts and students. The survey will classify roadside trees as highly hazardous, hazardous, or healthy, based on their condition and structural stability.

The BMC will also explore whether physically supporting roadside trees with mechanical instruments where needed can help prevent accidents while preserving the trees.

Power of data

According to BMC, the database of Mumbai's trees, categorised as per their age, root structure, species, health, and structural condition, will guide trimming, maintenance, and risk mitigation measures to be taken up before every monsoon.

Plan of action

>> Develop a standard operating procedure for trimming and maintenance.
>> Involve private entities, including housing societies and NGOs, to ensure trees on private premises are trimmed and conserved as per procedure.

Safety protocols

>> Citizens are advised not to take shelter under trees during rainfall or gusty winds.
>> Contact the BMC helpline number 1916 if citizens spot a fallen tree, perceive a risk of a tree collapsing, or notice a fallen tree branch.

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