BMC Begins Pre-Monsoon Tree Pruning Drive Across Mumbai; Environmentalists Raise Concerns

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated an extensive pre-monsoon tree pruning drive across Mumbai as part of its annual preparedness measures for the upcoming rainy season. As part of the exercise, more than 46,000 trees across the city have been identified for trimming, with the civic body aiming to complete the work by the end of May or early June.

According to civic officials, the drive is intended to minimise the risk of tree fall incidents during heavy rains and strong winds, which are common during the monsoon in Mumbai and often lead to damage to property and occasional injuries. The pruning operation is being carried out in phases across different wards of the city.

However, the large-scale exercise has sparked criticism from environmental groups and activists. They have raised concerns that aggressive or poorly managed pruning during the hot summer months could reduce tree cover, intensify the urban heat island effect, and impact local biodiversity. Activists have also questioned whether the pruning is being carried out using scientifically appropriate methods, alleging that in some cases excessive cutting may be taking place.

Despite the objections, the BMC has defended the initiative, stating that it is a necessary preventive step to ensure public safety during the monsoon season. The civic body has pointed to past incidents of falling trees during storms as justification for timely pruning and risk reduction measures.

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