BMC drive to free trees of torture at their base

BMC will hold a special week-long drive, from April 18 to 23, to remove concrete from around the base of trees and nails or cables lodged on them

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will hold a special week-long drive, from April 18 to 23, to remove concrete from around the base of trees and nails or cables lodged on them. They will get help from students of schools, colleges, and NGOs for the drive that targets trees in public places. However, an activist has alleged that the BMC pays crores of rupees to private contractors to care for trees and questioned why there is a need for such a drive. Under the Vruksh Sanjeevani Mohim, the Gardens Department will ensure that directions from National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding protection and conservation of trees are followed. 

“During the drive we will try to cover as many trees in Mumbai as possible. According to the directions of the NGT, it is mandatory to leave space around the base of trees. Also, if billboards, nameplates, electric wires are found on trees, they should be removed,” said Jeetendra Pardeshi, superintendent of gardens. He added that involvement of social organisations, NGOs, schools, colleges will increase social awareness about the issue. D Stalin, director of NGO Vanashakti, welcomed the move. He said it is much needed, as several tree bases are surrounded by concrete and they have to be removed immediately.

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‘Waste of public money’

However, Zoru Bhathena, activist, questioned the need for the drive. He said, “The BMC already pays crores of rupees to private contractors to care for every tree in Mumbai. The contract includes removal of cement from the base of every tree. But year after year the contractor does nothing. Now, they want to hold a special drive to remove concrete?” He added that this is ample proof that crores of rupees of public money has been looted in the name of tree care for years. The BMC charges Rs 1,000 as penalty per tree if the appointed contractor fails to deconcretise its base and R500 per tree if the concrete material is left around it.

Rs 1k
Penalty per tree if concrete around its base is not removed

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