Amid growing concerns over shrinking green spaces and rising heat waves in Mumbai, BJP group leader Ganesh Khankar has proposed a city-wide tree plantation initiative during a meeting of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's Tree Authority.
Khankar suggested that if every housing society in Mumbai plants at least one tree, the city could help compensate for the loss of nearly 45,000 trees and mangroves impacted by the Versova-Bhayandar Link Road project. According to him, members of the Tree Authority have welcomed the proposal, and efforts will be made to encourage residents to participate in plantation drives within their society premises. The initiative aims to expand Mumbai's green cover and help mitigate the effects of increasing urban heat.
In a related development, Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar has instructed officials to prepare a plantation plan for 65 acres of land in Aarey. The move aligns with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' ambitious target of planting 300 crore trees across Maharashtra by 2031.
However, environmental experts have emphasized that the success of such initiatives depends not only on the number of trees planted but also on selecting suitable species and planting them in appropriate locations. Citing the University of Melbourne study Nature in Cities, Nurturing Cities, experts noted that factors such as local climate conditions, urban design, vegetation layout, and tree species significantly influence the environmental benefits of urban greening.
Environmentalist Stalin D pointed out that a single tree has limited impact on reducing heat. Instead, clusters of shade-giving trees are more effective in lowering temperatures and improving airflow. He also raised concerns over the increasing concretization of Mumbai and stressed the importance of preserving forests and developing large green corridors.
Anil Pandit, Project Executive at the Bombay Environmental Action Group, echoed similar views, advocating for the creation of well-planned urban forests rather than focusing solely on tree plantation numbers. He argued that the real measure of success should be whether these efforts help reduce temperatures, improve air quality, and strengthen the city's resilience against climate change.
Former State Health Inspector Dr. Pradip Awate also highlighted the crucial role of trees in combating climate change. At the same time, he cautioned that planting unsuitable species or selecting inappropriate locations could undermine the intended environmental benefits of plantation drives.