Activists slams BMC for lack of green cover

As Mumbai experiences one of the worst summers with the temperature rising as early as February, city-based environmentalist claims that the BMC is not only oblivious to the issue of the depleting tree cover, but has no plans to ensure the cover increases.

According to experts, with hundreds of trees either dying, or being cut to accommodate new infrastructure and meeting the housing demands in the city, several areas were trapping more heat and seeing a surge in temperatures. "Mumbai is facing a severe urban heat island effect and the only solution is increasing the green cover across the city. However, even as we have been raising this issue with BMC officials, it is obvious that they do not have any plans, nor are they carrying out a study to find how Mumbai can have more green pockets," said Stalin Dayanand, Director, Projects Vanashakti.

He added that thousands of rain trees, which provide shade, have died in Mumbai due to infestation. "There is no doubt that temperatures are only going to rise in the coming years. The BMC should come up with a master plan to increase the tree cover in consultation with botanists and experts," said environmentalist Sumaira Abdulali.

In fact, a number of resident who have been actively involved in planting trees.