Mumbai: Experts, Civic Bodies Divided Over Rising Tree Falls During Monsoon

Mumbai, 19th July 2026: A debate has emerged over the increasing number of tree falls across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and an expert panel advising the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) offering contrasting explanations for the incidents.

According to BMC data, 902 trees have been uprooted and 1,251 branches have fallen across Mumbai since the onset of the monsoon till July 17, with eight more incidents reported in the following 24 hours. The issue gained prominence after an 11-year-old boy died in Chembur when a tree collapsed earlier this month.

The BMC has attributed the incidents primarily to heavy rainfall and strong monsoon winds. Chief Engineer (Roads and Traffic) Mantayya Swami said experts had informed the civic body that even if the base of a fully grown tree is completely concretised, it does not necessarily increase the risk of the tree falling.

However, an expert panel advising the NMMC has concluded that road concretisation around tree bases is a major reason for tree collapses. The panel stated that excessive concretisation restricts root growth, prevents adequate water percolation, and weakens trees over time. It also observed that over 90% of tree falls occur along roads and within housing societies, where concretisation is extensive, while such incidents are comparatively rare in areas with exposed soil around trees.

The panel further noted that repeated excavation for underground utilities damages tree roots, reducing their ability to withstand heavy rain and strong winds. It also identified phototropism the tendency of trees to grow towards sunlight in densely built-up areas and unscientific pruning as contributing factors that make trees more vulnerable during storms.

Arborist Dr. Nagesh Tekale questioned the BMC’s stand, saying that completely concretising a tree’s base restricts rainwater from reaching its roots, ultimately affecting its strength and stability.

Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Kailas Shinde said the civic body aims to scientifically understand the reasons behind tree collapses and implement long-term mitigation measures. Meanwhile, the BMC has advised residents to avoid standing beneath trees during heavy rain and gusty winds.

The differing views have intensified discussions on balancing urban infrastructure development with environmental conservation, with experts calling for scientific tree management, proper pruning practices, and protection of root zones during road and utility projects.