This is an article submitted by regular Metblog Mumbai reader Nandan Kalbag a Horticultural Consultant

Some tree falling in monsoon is a regular feature in Mumbai. Also it is not rare to hear about the deaths and vehicles getting crushed under falling trees. Mumbai city has already turned in to a veritable desert. Municipal Corporation & many NGOs give out tree saplings free of cost. Unfortunately neither of them has much knowledge about the trees. Many tree lovers do take these saplings. However, the question is, how many of these saplings are really planted and how many of them survive to become trees.

Though this effort to green the city is laudable, some very important factors are completely neglected by these good Samaritans. The saplings, which are palmed off, are mostly of Rain tree, Gulmohur, Nilgiri and Peltophorum or any such large growing and alien trees. In Mumbai where is the place to plant such large trees? These trees, if they do survive and grow, the very tree lovers who planted them realize their folly. Branches of trees planted close to buildings either block the natural light or are a security risk. There are many instances when thieves found easy entry in to flats adjoining the trees. Trimming these trees is also a big problem. The first stumbling block is “The Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Preservation of Trees Act.” The Act does not mention a word about trimming a tree. The Tree Officer and other officers and even servants subordinate to them are authorized to take such steps as they think fit to follow the Act. The Local goons, Corporators & the so-called ‘Tree lovers’ are always on the lookout. If they find any tree being lopped, they promptly start blackmailing. However, even felling a tree is very easy if one knows the ways and means.

The Act says , ” ‘Tree’ means any perennial woody plant, whether in seedling or sapling stage or fully grown stage, and includes shrubs whose branches spring from the ground level.” If this is what a ‘Tree’ is meant to be, then a banyan sapling growing on your drainpipe is also a tree. Singapore has “Parks & Trees Act”. I believe it specifies a tree as “A perennial, woody plant of which the girth of the stem is more than 10 cm.”

Trees must be trimmed regularly. If this practice is followed many trees, which fall during the rains, can be saved. There is technique of trimming a tree. One also needs special implements to do the job. Unfortunately even Mumbai Municipal Corporation does not have the equipment nor the expertise of trimming trees. In the name of trimming, the trees are just hacked and butchered. One must visit New Delhi and Bangalore to see how the trees are maintained. Here in Mumbai, trees are hacked in such a way that no thought is given to their shape or size. Quite often branches are cut only on one side. As a result they tilt precariously on the other side. No attention is given for pest control. Many trees fall because of Stem borer caterpillars. And this is the main reason why trees fall in monsoon. Constant digging around the trees for drainage, underground cables etc. also weaken their root system. Today, Mumbai roads are not fit for planting big or even medium size trees.

Unless and until we make special efforts in selecting proper trees and maintaining them in good shape by regular trimming, deaths and damage to vehicles or property is unavoidable.