08 August,2026 08:13 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
MoEFCC directs state to probe complaints that trees are being encased in concrete across Mumbai. Pic/Satej Shinde
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has directed the Maharashtra Forest Department to examine complaints over the concreting of roadside trees across Mumbai and take action in accordance with existing laws and court directions.
In a letter dated August 6, 2026, the Ministry asked the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Maharashtra, to examine a representation submitted by Mumbai-based advocate Godfrey Pimenta, who raised concerns over concrete laid around the bases of roadside trees across the city.
The ministry has also sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) at the earliest and directed that a copy be shared with the complainant while informing the Ministry of the action initiated.
According to Pimenta:
. A representation was emailed to the MoEFCC on July 4.
. It highlighted widespread concretisation around roadside trees in Mumbai.
. The complaint sought immediate de-concretisation around tree bases to protect their health.
Responding to the representation, the ministry directed the state forest department to:
. Examine the complaint.
. Take action under existing acts, rules, and regulations.
. Submit an Action Taken Report.
Arborists and environmentalists have long warned that concrete around tree trunks can severely damage trees by:
. Preventing rainwater from reaching the roots.
. Restricting air circulation in the soil.
. Hindering root growth.
. Weakening trees over time.
. Increasing the risk of gradual decline and death.
Environmental groups have repeatedly urged civic authorities to maintain adequate open soil around every roadside tree instead of covering the area with concrete.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), in Original Application No. 82 of 2013, directed public authorities to:
. Remove concrete surrounding roadside trees.
. Ensure no concreting is carried out within at least a one-metre radius of every tree trunk.
. Maintain sufficient open soil to allow water percolation and root aeration.
The Tribunal observed that concreting:
. Restricts oxygen to roots.
. Prevents groundwater recharge.
. Hampers healthy tree growth.
. Can ultimately lead to tree death.
These directions have since been reiterated in subsequent NGT proceedings dealing with roadside tree protection.
The Maharashtra Forest Department has now been asked to:
. Examine the complaint.
. Verify whether existing rules and NGT directions are being violated.
. Take appropriate action.
. Submit an Action Taken Report to both the complainant and the Union Ministry.
July 4, 2026: Advocate Godfrey Pimenta submits a representation to the MoEFCC highlighting concretisation around Mumbai's roadside trees.
August 6, 2026: The Union Environment Ministry forwards the complaint to the Maharashtra Forest Department.
Now: The Forest Department has been directed to examine the issue, take action and submit an Action Taken Report.
Concrete around tree trunks has remained a recurring issue in Mumbai despite repeated National Green Tribunal directions prohibiting the practice. The Centre's latest communication places the matter formally before the Maharashtra Forest Department and requires it to report back on the action taken.
