Thane Civic Body Assigns Tree Management to PWD Engineers, Sparks Controversy

The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has come under scrutiny after assigning the responsibility of tree trimming and management to engineers from its Public Works Department (PWD), despite having a dedicated Garden Department and Tree Authority to handle such work. The move has triggered questions over the civic body's administrative functioning.

The decision follows a series of tree-fall incidents during recent heavy rains, which claimed one life and damaged property across the city. In the wake of the incidents, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reviewed the civic administration's disaster management preparedness, warning officials of strict action against negligence and directing the corporation to strengthen its response mechanism. 

Acting on these directions, Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao issued an order placing executive engineers and deputy engineers from the PWD in charge of tree management in their respective wards. Their responsibilities include coordinating tree pruning with the Garden Department, removing concrete around tree trunks, ensuring hazardous branches and overhead wires are addressed, and implementing preventive measures during the monsoon.

The decision has, however, drawn criticism as PWD engineers are already responsible for roads, bridges, drainage systems, public buildings and infrastructure projects. With the department reportedly facing a shortage of engineers, officials and observers have questioned why additional responsibilities have been assigned to PWD instead of strengthening the existing Garden Department and Tree Authority.

Defending the move, Additional Municipal Commissioner Prashant Rode said the arrangement was introduced as an emergency measure after the Tree Authority's manpower proved insufficient to handle the large number of fallen trees during the monsoon. He said PWD engineers would assist with coordination and tree-related preventive work while continuing efforts to remove concrete around tree bases to improve tree health.

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