The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced the appointment of a dedicated contractor to manage tree safety in and around the Malabar Hill nature trail. This move is to safeguard visitors during the monsoon season.
With the elevated trail attracting lakhs of visitors, civic authorities are now implementing special measures to ensure safety by actively managing and monitoring the surrounding century-old trees.
This proactive decision comes in light of the growing footfall at the elevated walkway, which has drawn over 1.10 lakh visitors since its grand opening on March 30.
The appointed contractor will be responsible for trimming overgrown branches, pruning dead wood, removing potentially hazardous fruit and fronds and cutting down any decaying or dangerous trees. Special care will also be taken to stabilise unbalanced trees that pose a risk. A supervisor will be deployed on-site 24x7 to oversee all operations and respond to emergencies.
The BMC also confirmed that all tree-related work will be carried out scientifically. A thorough survey of the tree cover will be conducted in consultation with a qualified horticulture expert to ensure precision and preservation.
Timings during monsoon:
The walkway will continue to draw crowds throughout the monsoon due to its natural charm and refreshing ambience, officials stated.
With operations running from 5 am to 8 pm across 16 time slots per day, the trail accommodates up to 200 visitors in each slot, ensuring a serene experience amid nature without overcrowding.