Mumbai: Activist seeks probe after 25-30 trees fall along Aarey road following heavy rain

Activist seeks probe into whether cable-laying work damaged roots (Pic/Atul Kamble)

Following the heavy rainfall on Tuesday, September 29, around 25 to 30 large trees reportedly collapsed along the main Aarey road following heavy rain and strong winds, prompting activist Godfrey Pimenta of the Watchdog Foundation to seek an investigation into whether earlier cable-laying and underground utility work contributed to the incidents.

In view of the concerning situation, Activist Godfrey Pimenta from the Watchdog Foundation has written to the BMC Commissioner and the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), alleging that excavation and trenching carried out near existing trees may have damaged their roots.

While drafting a letter to the authorities, activist Pimenta said that the weather conditions could have contributed to the tree falls but claimed that some trees in the area may have been weakened by damage to their root systems during utility work carried out earlier this year.

"While heavy rainfall and strong winds may have contributed to the incidents, it is a matter of serious concern that several roadside trees in the area appear to have weakened due to damage to their root systems caused by cable-laying and other underground utility works carried out by various utility companies," Pimenta said.

Pimenta has sought an inspection of the locations where the trees fell and asked authorities to identify trees that may have sustained root damage during utility works.

Activist call for inquiry into excavation work

The activist has also called for an inquiry into cable-laying and excavation work carried out by utility agencies in the affected areas to determine whether the required permissions and tree-protection measures were followed.

Pimenta, in his letter, wrote, "Such activities can substantially weaken otherwise healthy trees and make them vulnerable to falling during heavy rain and strong winds. The recent incidents therefore warrant an immediate investigation into whether inadequate precautions were taken while carrying out these works."

The activist added, "We request the Municipal Corporation to kindly conduct an immediate inspection and survey of the locations where trees have fallen and identify trees whose roots have been damaged by utility/cable-laying activities."

He also added, "Investigate the cable-laying and excavation works undertaken by various utility agencies in the affected areas and ascertain whether prescribed permissions, safety conditions, and tree-protection measures were followed. Take appropriate action against agencies/contractors found responsible for damaging tree roots or violating applicable conditions."

Pimenta has further requested a structural and safety assessment of vulnerable trees in Aarey Milk Colony, particularly along roads where underground utility work has been carried out.

The activist has further asked the authorities to ensure that future cable-laying work is undertaken with measures to minimise damage to existing trees and to make details of permissions issued for such works publicly available.

However, the BMC had not responded to Mid-Day's queries regarding the allegations and the tree collapses at the time of publishing this article.