Strong winds, not concrete roads not behind tree falls in Mumbai: BMC commissioner

BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide said concrete roads are not responsible for the rise in Mumbai's tree-fall incidents, attributing them instead to strong winds and other factors, while announcing an SOP to protect tree roots during civic works

In Short

• BMC Commissioner denies concrete roads cause tree falls, cites strong winds instead
• Two tree fall deaths reported; 29.75 lakh trees in Mumbai, 2 lakh on roads
• 1,700 km roads concretised, pothole expenditure reduced, more work post-monsoon

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ashwini Bhide on Tuesday said concrete roads are not responsible for the rise in tree-falling incidents in Mumbai, attributing the increase to strong winds and other factors while announcing measures to protect tree roots during civic works.

Addressing the media, Bhide acknowledged that the number of tree fall incidents has increased in the city but rejected claims that road concretisation was the cause.

"Two tree fall deaths have been reported in Mumbai. As per the 2018 tree survey, there are 29.75 lakh trees in the city and 2 lakh trees are on roads. We will bring an SOP to ensure that while constructing footpaths and laying utilities, the roots of trees are not affected. It is not right to say that concrete roads have increased tree fall incidents. Earlier too, bitumen roads were being made. These changes happen on the surface and the roots remain grounded," she said.

Bhide added that the civic body would consult tree experts to ensure that roots are not disturbed during utility work and while laying paver blocks on roads.

The commissioner also addressed the recent manhole incident, admitting that the BMC lacked adequate micro-level monitoring but said corrective measures have now been implemented.

"We have done geo-tagging of all manholes to make sure that they are closed and have nets. But micro-level monitoring has to be be made stronger so that such incidents do not happen," she said.

Highlighting the impact of road concretisation on potholes, Bhide said no potholes are being reported on concrete roads.

"We have concretised 1,700 km of roads and the remaining 300 km will be completed after the monsoon. We have appointed an agency for filling potholes on highways. Highways will be resurfaced after the monsoon. Since concrete roads were made, the BMC's expenditure on filling potholes has decreased," she said.

Speaking about the ongoing monsoon, Bhide said Mumbai has witnessed extraordinary rainfall this month, recording its highest-ever July rainfall compared to previous years.

She said Santacruz received 124% of its typical rainfall over the last six days compared to last year, while Colaba recorded 109%, highlighting the intensity of the monsoon across different parts of the city.

The heavy rainfall has also improved the city's water reserves.

"The water levels in our lakes have increased to 28.92%, aided by a substantial 12% rise yesterday alone," Bhide said, while urging citizens to remain cautious and use water judiciously as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more intense rainfall after a brief dry spell.

To prevent flooding, the BMC has deployed six major public drainage stations, 10 minor public drainage stations and high-capacity water pumps at more than 500 locations across Mumbai to discharge stormwater.

On tree management, Bhide said the civic body had pruned and trimmed 50% of roadside trees before the monsoon. However, she noted that despite reducing canopy weight, the large size of trees and their complex root structures, particularly Banyan and Peepal trees, continue to make them vulnerable during adverse weather conditions. She also denied that a shortage of manpower was responsible for the tree fall incidents.

Responding to reports of differences between the civic administration and the city's elected representatives after the Mayor and Deputy Mayor publicly blamed her for recent civic lapses, Bhide dismissed any suggestion of a rift.

"There’s no difference or dispute between us, and we are constantly communicating," she said, adding that it is natural for elected representatives to raise concerns when they are present at accident sites.

"We discuss, we debate, and we work together because only then can we deliver good governance," Bhide said.

- Ends