13 July,2026 09:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Experts concluded that multiple factors, including weather conditions, root health and nearby infrastructure work, may have contributed to the tree falling. File Pic
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed officials to implement the recommendations of an inquiry committee that investigated the tree collapse near Diamond Garden in Chembur, where a large peepal tree fell onto a school bus on June 30, 2026, an official statement said on Monday.
Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide reviewed the report and instructed civic departments to take immediate steps to strengthen tree safety and prevent similar incidents across Mumbai.
The inquiry committee has recommended a Rs 5 lakh penalty on contractor Gawar Construction Limited and a Rs 2 lakh penalty on consultant Mahimtura Consultants.
According to the report, both agencies may not have taken adequate precautions while carrying out stormwater drain work near the tree. However, the committee clarified that they cannot be held solely responsible because several other factors also contributed to the incident.
Mid-day had earlier reported about the civic body's expert panel. Read more here
The committee found that the Garden Department had carried out routine inspections and pre-monsoon pruning as required.
It also stated that the Roads Department had maintained the continuity of the stormwater drain while attempting to protect the existing tree, and no immediate fault was found with either department.
However, the report noted that warnings about protecting trees during nearby excavation work had been issued to the contractor, who should have taken greater care.
The report said Mumbai experienced heavy rainfall in the days leading up to the accident.
Between June 28 and July 5, around 1,158 incidents of fallen trees and branches were reported across the city. At the time of the Chembur accident, winds were recorded at 25.7 kmph, while continuous rainfall had saturated the ground.
Experts concluded that multiple factors, including weather conditions, root health and nearby infrastructure work, may have contributed to the tree falling.
One of the key recommendations is the preparation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for inspecting, maintaining and monitoring trees across Mumbai.
The committee also recommended:
- Regular tree risk assessments before and after every monsoon.
- A GIS-based database of roadside trees.
- Scientific pruning by trained and certified experts.
- Appointment of empanelled tree specialists to supervise pruning and tree care.
- Better coordination between roads, gardens, engineering and stormwater departments during infrastructure projects.
- Protection of tree roots during excavation work, with restrictions on heavy machinery near root zones.
- Regular safety audits and emergency inspections after heavy rain or storms.
Mid-day had also earlier reported on the safety strategy. Read more here
The committee has also suggested planting suitable native tree species along roads, reducing unnecessary concreting around tree bases, improving public awareness and creating a digital system for residents to report dangerous trees.
It further recommended that future infrastructure projects include mandatory tree protection measures as part of project planning and execution.
The BMC said the recommendations will now be implemented to improve public safety while protecting Mumbai's urban tree cover.
