30 July,2026 10:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The tree fall incident near Diamond Garden in Chembur had led to the death of an 11-year-old student and caused injuries to four others. File Pic
Days after Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawade rejected the inquiry report submitted by a civic-appointed committee in Chembur tree collapse incident, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday said that it has appointed a one-member independent committee to conduct a fresh and detailed inquiry into the matter.
The tree fall incident near Diamond Garden in Chembur had led to the death of an 11-year-old student and caused injuries to four others.
According to an official statement, the committee will be headed by botanist and former Mumbai University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Sanjay V Deshmukh. The civic administration has directed the committee to submit its report within one month.
"The decision follows directions from Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawade and the BMC General Body, which rejected the earlier inquiry report submitted by a civic-appointed committee," the statement said.
Mayor and the General Body observed that the initial report lacked detailed investigation, strict action recommendations and accountability measures considering the seriousness of the incident. They directed the administration to appoint an independent expert and conduct a fresh inquiry, it said.
The incident took place on June 30, 2026, near Diamond Garden in Chembur, when a large old peepal tree fell on a school bus during the afternoon.
The accident resulted in the death of 11-year-old student Vihaan Shrivastav, while four other students suffered injuries.
The newly appointed committee will review the methodology followed by the previous inquiry panel and independently analyse the evidence collected.
The committee will also examine the incident from various technical perspectives, including engineering aspects, botany and environmental science, drainage and sewage systems, road construction, weather conditions, soil science and public administration.
It will also conduct an independent analysis of the root cause of the Chembur tree collapse and assess the recommendations made in the earlier report.
Dr Sanjay V Deshmukh is a recognised expert in botany and has carried out extensive work related to mangroves. He has also served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mumbai.
He is currently associated with the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, as an Adjunct Professor and serves as Vice-President of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai.
The BMC said his expertise and experience were considered while appointing him to lead the inquiry.
The committee will also evaluate interim measures suggested by the earlier inquiry panel and recommend policy improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The civic administration has instructed all concerned departments to provide necessary documents, assist during site visits and extend full cooperation to the committee.
