15 October,2026 08:46 AM IST | Mumbai | The Editorial
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Your own backyard first, that is the message from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which has urged residents and housing societies across Mumbai to maintain trees on their premises. This includes promptly reporting potentially dangerous trees and weak branches to prevent tree-fall incidents.
Our report cited how the civic body stressed the importance of regular tree maintenance and adequate watering.
The last point is vital as we see temperatures reach dizzying heights. Several housing societies do have plants in the compound, handkerchief-sized or if lucky, generously big. Trees add a pleasant green touch to the surroundings. Yet, they must ensure that there is regular watering of plants/trees and that they are looked after. We see neglect, parched plants at times, as the residents seem negligent about enlisting a staffer/person to look after the green that gives so much solace in a cement city. Do ensure the little garden has a caretaker.
One can also find ways to save water. Car washers in buildings can keep some of that water for plant use, so that it is not wasted. Promote the judicious use of water.
For dangerous trees, residents need to go to the local ward office so that they can be guided on how these can be tackled. Every resident needs to be proactive and vigilant. In several societies, doing the hard yards - putting in a large amount of effort, especially when the work is unglamorous, difficult, or goes unnoticed is left to the society committee, with others being WhatsApp warriors or blissfully ignorant. Stay alert and put in that effort yourself.
