To enhance environmental protection and tree management in Mumbai, a pilot project will be implemented in Mumbai suburbs to thoroughly inspect all trees using modern technology, announced Information Technology Minister and Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Advocate Ashish Shelar on Monday, March 16.
A meeting on tree conservation was held in the Ministerial Hall, chaired by Minister Advocate Shelar. MLA Sanjay Upadhyay, Mumbai Suburban Collector Saurabh Katiyar, and Mumbai Municipal Corporation officials were present.
A comprehensive health assessment of all trees in two wards of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) -- R Central in Borivali and H-West comprising Bandra, Khar and Santacruz West.
Stressing that a complete system will be developed using technology for digital mapping, health checks, and management of every tree in Mumbai Suburban, the Minister Advocate stated that this will provide complete information about the age, species, health, branch growth, pruning needs, and environmental benefits of all trees around Mumbai, Shelar said.
In this process, 3D imaging of trees will be performed using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, and an accurate digital record will be created. A unique digital code will be created for each tree, recording information about its growth, carbon absorption capacity, its contribution to pollution reduction, rainwater harvesting, and other environmental benefits.
Additionally, modern equipment such as resistographs will be used to assess the internal condition of trees. These equipment will allow for accurate identification of rotten parts, cavities, or internal damage in the trunk of a tree without cutting it down.
Currently, tree surveys in Mumbai are mainly conducted manually, often failing to detect internal damage. As a result, some trees fall unexpectedly. The new digital system will allow detailed analysis of such incidents, identify underlying causes and even check if trees have been deliberately poisoned.