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Mumbai Launches Tech-Powered 'Tree Health Audit' Pilot in Key Wards

Mumbai's suburban district will launch a pilot project using advanced technology to conduct a comprehensive health audit of trees in two wards. The initiative will employ LiDAR for 3D digital mapping and Resistographs to detect internal decay without harming the trees. Each tree will receive a unique digital code to track its health, growth, and environmental benefits like carbon absorption. The project aims to move beyond manual surveys to prevent unexpected tree falls and enable detailed accident analysis.

Key Points: Mumbai's Tech-Based Tree Health Audit Pilot Launched

  • Digital mapping of all trees
  • LiDAR for 3D imaging & unique codes
  • Resistographs to detect internal decay
  • Pilot in R-Central & H-West Wards
2 min read

Mumbai to launch tech-based 'Tree Health Audit' in two suburban wards​

Mumbai to pilot a digital tree health audit using LiDAR and Resistographs in R-Central and H-West Wards for environmental conservation.

"a comprehensive system will be developed to digitally map, assess the health of and manage every tree - Ashish Shelar"

Mumbai, March 16

Mumbai Suburban District Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar on Monday announced that, to strengthen environmental conservation and tree preservation in Mumbai, a pilot project for an in‑depth assessment of all trees, using modern technology, will be launched in the R‑Central and H‑West Wards of the city. ​

He was speaking at a high‑level meeting on tree conservation.​

He said a comprehensive system will be developed to digitally map, assess the health of and manage every tree in Mumbai's suburban areas. ​

Using advanced technology, the initiative will provide detailed information on the age, species, health status, branch growth, pruning needs and environmental benefits of all trees in these wards.​

As part of the project, LiDAR technology will be used for 3D imaging to create accurate digital records. Each tree will receive a unique digital code that captures data on growth patterns, carbon absorption capacity, contributions to pollution reduction, rainwater drainage, and other environmental benefits.​

To examine the internal condition of trees, modern instruments such as Resistographs will be used. These tools can detect internal decay, cavities or structural damage in the trunk without cutting the tree. ​

This will allow a quick assessment of whether a tree is safe or poses a risk.

He added that current tree surveys in Mumbai are mainly conducted manually and often fail to detect internal damage, leading to unexpected tree falls. ​

The new digital system will enable detailed analysis of such incidents, identify underlying causes and even determine whether trees have been deliberately poisoned.​

Under this system, an integrated framework will be established for digital surveying, health assessment, diagnosis, treatment and accident analysis of trees. ​

The pilot project will first be implemented in the R‑Central and H‑West Wards, with funding from the District Development Fund.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good step, but I hope this isn't just another "pilot project" that never expands. BMC has a history of starting high-tech projects in a couple of wards and then forgetting about them. The funding and political will must continue for city-wide implementation.
A
Aman W
Finally! Manual surveys are so outdated. Last year, a huge tree fell near my society gate, and we had complained about its weak branches months before. A digital system with unique codes will bring accountability. Thumbs up from a Mumbaikar.
S
Sarah B
As someone who recently moved to Mumbai, the greenery here is precious but seems poorly managed. This tech-based audit sounds very promising. Tracking carbon absorption is especially important for climate goals. Hope the data is made public for transparency.
V
Vikram M
The part about detecting deliberate poisoning is crucial. We've seen cases where builders or individuals poison trees to clear land. A digital record will be solid evidence. This project needs full public support.
K
Karthik V
Good concept, but what about maintenance? High-tech equipment is one thing, but do we have trained staff to operate Resistographs and analyze LiDAR data? Investment in human resources is equally important. Otherwise, it's just expensive hardware sitting idle.

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