Chembur residents flag dangerous trees as IMD forecasts heavy rain

A tree that is half inside a property in the Sindhi Society area in Chembur East. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Concerns over dangerous trees in Chembur have resurfaced as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated the possibility of intense rainfall starting this weekend. Residents say despite multiple trees collapsing this monsoon, several hazardous trees continue to stand due to the absence of clear policies and delayed action by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Problem 1

The lack of guidelines for trees located entirely within housing societies or commercial premises is confusing. While many such trees have become weak or hollow, societies remain uncertain about the procedure for obtaining permission to prune or remove them.

A tree in Sindhi Society whose trunk residents believe is hollow

Chembur resident and citizen activist Rishi Marwah said, "We don't know which department is responsible or how to get approvals. By the time permissions come, the monsoon is already upon us. One way to address this is for the BMC to proactively inspect trees on private premises, take necessary action, and add the charges to property tax. For the sake of transparency, the cost of each activity - pruning, trimming, cutting, etc - should be decided beforehand. The current manual process of clicking a photo, taking a print, attaching it to a handwritten application and then waiting for a minimum of two months to get some reply from the ward office must be changed to a digital app or platform for quicker and timely results."

Problem 2

The remains of a fallen tree occupy a pavement on 11th Road in Chembur East

Trees that stand partly on public roads and partly on private compounds are being left unattended as neither the BMC nor private property owners take complete responsibility for them. "No BMC official knows what needs to be done in such cases. This issue has increased since the time road-widening rules came in, especially when redevelopment of a building takes place; as before this, a tree is inside the compound, but afterwards, it is either half inside or completely on the road beyond the boundary wall," said Rishab Jagasia, another resident.

Problem 3

Several trees are pruned halfway and left standing in an unstable condition, making them more vulnerable during heavy winds, according to residents. "We have seen trees that were cut halfway months ago. They have become even more dangerous because they are structurally weak," said resident Kanhailal Solanki.

Rishi Marwah, Chembur resident and citizen activist

Residents are equally worried about hollow trees infested with fungus that continue to remain on roads despite repeated complaints. "The authorities say fungal growth is often a visible sign of internal decay, yet many such trees have not been inspected or removed," Solanki added.

Problem 4

Large-scale replantation and poor maintenance of newly planted saplings have been another concern. "We are not against trees. We want healthy trees that are properly maintained. There is hardly any follow-up after plantation drives, and many saplings simply die. Also, after the unfortunate incident, the BMC has rampantly cut so many trees across the city. So, why are they not planting new trees in the same space? If they plant now, for the next four months these trees will get ample natural water, and will only need to be taken care of later on," said resident Laveena Mascarenhas.

Problem 5

The authorities haven't learnt anything from the past, residents allege. "Developers continue to pack tree roots with cement, leaving no space for soil. How will the trees eat and breathe if their foundation is packed with non-absorbing materials such as cement," asked Jagasia.

Residents have urged the BMC to introduce a comprehensive tree management policy covering inspections, maintenance, accountability, and timely replacement before the monsoon intensifies. "Irrespective of the odds, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has been entrusted with this position when many were in the race, and seeing her past works, when she took over we thought now things will improve rapidly. She should focus on policies and circulars," said Marwah.

Authority Speak

‘M West Ward Officer Shankar Bhosale said the number of teams appointed for trimming and cutting trees has been increased. "Earlier, we would deploy only three teams. Now we have at least eight or nine. We are rigorously inspecting trees in the area daily and taking necessary actions, especially on roads leading to educational institutions and hospitals," he said.'

June 30
Day boy was killed in tree collapse in Chembur