Mumbai: The process of road concretisation, while aimed at eliminating potholes and improving durability, has unintentionally caused damage to tree roots when implemented unevenly. This has raised serious environmental concerns, prompting the BMC to take action.

Over the past few days, the BMC has issued around 150 notices to contractors working across 11 civic wards. The P South - Goregaon area has seen the highest number of tree root damages due to improper concretisation practices.

The BMC has undertaken the concretisation of 800 km of roads in the city and suburbs, with several wards experiencing excavations. Last week, the Tree Authority conducted a survey to assess tree health and the impact of extreme heat and road concretisation work.

"The survey revealed that improper concreting near trees has damaged their roots, which could cause serious harm in the future. Earlier we would give warnings to contractors but now we have sent notices and penalised the concerned contractors," said a senior civic official.

Zoru Bhathena, an environmental activist, stated, "Before carrying out road concretisation, the Roads Department should obtain permission from the Tree Authority. Proper planning is essential to ensure that trees are not harmed, including leaving adequate open space around each tree to allow for growth. However, at present not only are existing trees being destroyed, but there is also no space left for planting new ones. It's good that the BMC is taking action, but there is a clear lack of supervision. The rules must be followed to prevent further damage."

In a recent action, the BMC's Road Department issued a notice penalising the contractor working on Rajabhau Desai Marg in Prabhadevi with a fine of Rs. 20,000 for damaging tree roots. Last week, BMC also sent a notice to Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), instructing them to remove concrete from the bases of 50 trees near the airport in Vile Parle.

Additionally, the highest number of notices were issued in P South (Goregaon) with 42, followed by R/South (25), H/East (Khar, Bandra - 20), K East (Jogeshwari and Andheri East - 20), and K West (Andheri West - 15). The other areas where notices were sent to road contractors were Grant road, Parel, Dadar, Wadala, Mulund and Worli.

2017 TREE CENSUS

29.75 lakh

Trees across the city

1.86 lakh

Lined up along roadsides