Mumbai: BMC yet to secure tree in middle of road near Dahisar station, locals spark concerns

The tree stands in the middle of the road in Dahisar West

A week after local residents and daily commuters raised concerns, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is yet to take any action to secure a mid-sized tree standing in the middle of a busy road outside Dahisar West railway station, sparking fears of a potential accident.

The unusual obstruction has become a daily hazard for pedestrians, motorists, and commuters in the area. Residents allege despite repeated complaints and media attention, authorities have neither fenced it, nor have they implemented any safety measures.

Arvind Chauhan, a flower vendor in the area. Pics/Ritika Gondhalekar

Shopkeepers in the vicinity say that although no major accidents have been reported so far, minor collisions and traffic snarls are common. "Vehicles frequently scrape against each other while trying to avoid the tree. Traffic jams here are a regular occurrence," said Arvind Chauhan, a flower vendor.

Voices

Tanvi Pawaskar, a local resident
‘The tree not only poses a risk of collisions, especially during peak hours, but also contributes to traffic congestion as vehicles are forced to manoeuvre around it. Are the civic officials waiting for a major mishap before taking corrective action to safeguard thousands of people who pass through the stretch every day?'

Nitesh Tayde, a daily commuter
‘The absence of protective fencing, reflective markings, or warning signs makes the situation worse. At the very least, authorities should install proper barricades and reflective indicators around it. This tree acts like a vertical speed breaker'

OfficialSpeak

Rohit Trivedi, R North ward officer
‘Everything needs to go through a process and requires approvals. We have taken a note of this matter and informed the BMC's Garden and Tree Authority to do the needful. A fence will soon be put up around the tree'

Baburao Patole, an auto-rickshaw driver
‘Many passengers are surprised when they see a tree in the middle of the road. New drivers often have to brake suddenly. If visibility is poor, it can easily lead to a major accident'