BMC on tree pruning spree for safe monsoon
Civic body has, so far, trimmed 12,467 trees; it’s racing to bring 1,11,670 more woods in shape before June 7
To curb tree-falling mishaps during monsoon, the BMC has, so far, pruned 12,467 trees, while aiming to trim a total of 1,11,670 woods before June 7. Helmed by the gardens department, the annual initiative is part of pre-monsoon works carried out with the objective of mitigating potential hazards posed by trees during heavy rains and strong winds. Meanwhile, the civic body has issued notices to 1,855 individuals and organisations, including housing societies, government and semi-government establishments, urging them to undertake tree pruning within their premises.
To complete the mammoth pre-monsoon tasks on time, various civic departments are mobilising resources and working in tandem. Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr Amit Saini and Deputy Commissioner (Gardens) Kishore Gandhi are overseeing the operations.
The tree-trimming exercise assumes further significance as Mumbai is prone to heavy rainfall and gusty winds during monsoon season. According to Superintendent of Gardens Jitendra Pardeshi, the pre-monsoon works encompass a range of activities, including the removal of dead trees, trimming of overgrown branches, replanting and the application of pesticides. The annual exercise is undertaken in accordance with the Maharashtra (Urban Area) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975.
“In Mumbai, where cyclones and strong winds are common during the rainy season, tree pruning serves as a crucial preventive step in preventing hazards. The tree authority, comprising the civic officials and experts, oversees tree cutting permits, while the garden department handles permissions for trimming,” said Deputy Municipal Commissioner Gandhi.
Pardeshi said that Mumbaikars can report about dangerous trees on the BMC website or application. “We advise people to refrain from seeking shelter under trees during episodes of strong winds, cyclonic rains, or heavy downpours. Trees may collapse due to the combined force of heavy rainfall and strong winds, a common occurrence reported in various incidents,” he added.