Scientific risk assessment of trees initiated in Mumbai: Maha Minister
Mumbai, July 8
Against the backdrop of increasingly high-velocity winds in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has initiated a scientific risk assessment of trees to ensure environmental conservation and public safety.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal on Wednesday announced that a pilot project assessing 5,000 trees in the Bandra (West) area is underway, with the final report expected within six months. The minister was responding to a Calling Attention motion moved by MLA Manisha Chaudhari.
Misal noted that during the 2026 monsoon season, the city has experienced strong winds at speeds of 80 to 90 km/h. She said given Mumbai's geographical landscape, dense population, underground utility cables, and ongoing infrastructure projects, the municipal corporation is taking special care to ensure that the natural growth of tree roots is not compromised.
She added that if internal decay or structural defects are detected in any trees, necessary action is taken following approval from the Tree Authority Committee.
To execute this project, an expert arborist firm was appointed on March 21, 2026, through "The Smile Council." This assessment will help identify dangerous or vulnerable trees early, allowing for timely preventive measures, said Misal.
Furthermore, to manage underground utilities without harming nature, the government proposes using a duct system during road concretisation. This will ensure tree roots remain undamaged while laying service lines. Based on the success of this pilot project, the methodology will be expanded to other parts of Mumbai, the minister stated.
Meanwhile, Misal announced in the state assembly that preliminary investigations have revealed that a hotel is operating illegally on a plot within the BMC's F-South ward and has outstanding property tax dues.
Consequently, the municipal corporation will be directed to immediately halt construction of the building and shut down the hotel's operations.
The statement came in response to a Calling Attention motion moved by MLA Ajay Choudhari regarding the redevelopment project of the Pawanputra Housing Society in the F-South ward. MLA Ram Kadam also participated in the discussion.
Misal assured the House that a thorough investigation will be conducted into all aspects of this case, and strict action will be taken against the officials responsible for these irregularities.
She added that if the inquiry report warrants it, criminal charges will also be filed against the culprits.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who moved to Mumbai for work last year, I've noticed how many old trees look unstable. This is a smart move - in my hometown in Canada, they do annual tree health checks and it prevents a lot of disasters. Hope they involve local residents too, since we see these trees every day.
Good initiative but I'm skeptical about the execution. BMC's track record with tree management is poor - they promised tree census years ago but never completed it. Also, why only 5,000 trees in Bandra when Mumbai has lakhs? And what about the trees along railway tracks? They're equally dangerous.
Hats off to Minister Misal for addressing this in the Assembly! The illegal hotel story is also shocking - how can a property run without paying taxes and with illegal construction? Typical Mumbai politics. But the tree assessment is a positive step. Let's hope the Smile Council firm does the job properly.
Yaar, 80-90 kmph winds in Mumbai is becoming normal now. Last year a tree fell on my car in Khar and the BMC took weeks to compensate. This risk assessment will save lives and property. But I request the government to also plant more local species like Banyan and Peepal instead of decorative foreign trees that don't survive our climate.
While I appreciate the scientific approach, I'm concerned about costs. Appointing an 'expert arborist firm' through some council sounds like another BMC contract where money will be wasted. Also, if they find decay in trees, will they just cut them without replacement? We need a comprehensive tree protection policy, not
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