Mumbai: BMC Prunes Over 12,000 Trees, Removes 279 Hazardous Ones Amid Summer Drive

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched its annual tree maintenance drive, undertaking the trimming of 46,336 trees across Mumbai, with the goal of completing the work by the end of May or, at the latest, by June 7. The trees were initially shortlisted through an informal survey carried out by the civic body’s garden department, and the findings were later verified by contractors assigned to execute the project. During this assessment, officials also identified 325 trees that were either dead or potentially dangerous, recommending their removal in order to ensure public safety and maintain ecological stability across the city.

So far, the civic body has pruned 12,561 trees, which makes up nearly 27% of the total target, and has removed 279 trees considered hazardous or lifeless. "Trees are trimmed to reduce their tree loads by reducing their canopy and to ensure that they stay balanced and have a healthy growth," an official told Hindustan Times. While the BMC primarily conducts trimming activities on land under its jurisdiction, such as along roads and public spaces, it also supervises similar work carried out on private properties and land owned by other government authorities to maintain consistency in tree care practices across Mumbai.

The timing of the tree trimming exercise has, however, attracted criticism from residents and environmental activists. A Wadala-based resident raised concerns about conducting such activities during peak summer, when tree cover is most essential for shade. "It is during the summers that the shade of the trees are most needed. Shouldn’t they trim trees after the monsoons when the trees are enveloped with foliage? Often the tree trimmings are carried out by workers, with no contractors on the spot, leave alone municipal officials. There are times when workers don’t bear the permission letters for the tree cuttings," Nimish Malde told Hindustan Times. He has also been actively highlighting these issues on social media.

In response, officials defended the decision to carry out trimming during the summer months, explaining that it benefits the trees’ recovery process. "During the monsoons, trees are prone to fungal infections which could spread and endanger the life of the tree, if cut. However, if the trees are cut during the summers, then it prevents spread of fungal infections, besides helping the tree to heal and recover well from the trimming exercise. The summer trimmings are done for a reason and not randomly. If that was the case, we would have taken up trimmings round the year," an official told Hindustan Times. They also added that BMC staff receive training from arborists, and contractors are required to include horticulturists or biologists in their teams.

However, activist Zoru Bhathena criticised the quality of pruning practices, stating that improper techniques could weaken trees rather than strengthen them. "These contractors trim top down, which means they trim on the bottom. This leaves trees top-heavy, increasing the risk of collapse. Limited space for roots only adds to the problems," Zoru Bhathena told Hindustan Times. He also alleged that contractors are rarely present to supervise the work, despite being paid for year-round maintenance, raising concerns about accountability and the effectiveness of the execution process.