This meant that after receiving requests to trim dangerous trees, the tree department will either prune trees within a stipulated time frame or give reasons – in writing – for denying permission.
After the fatal incident in Chembur last monsoon, where a 54-year-old lady, Kanchan Nath died after a coconut tree fell on her, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) passed a proposal to include tree trimming under the Right to Services Act.
This meant that after receiving requests to trim dangerous trees, the tree department will either prune trees within a stipulated time frame or give reasons – in writing – for denying permission. However, instead of trimming risky branches on priority, the service is misused as more and more applications are submitted and immediate permissions are granted by BMC, said tree activists.
This decision to include tree trimming under Right to Services Act was taken after the Chembur's society complained that even after seeking permission to cut the coconut tree, the ward's tree officer denied to cut it and then, Kanchan Nath died while taking a walk.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Gardens), Kishore Kshirsagar said, "We have implemented the service online and we grant permissions for tree trimming within 48 hours. If permission is denied, we sight reasons."
Zoru Bathena, an activist who has filed a PIL in court against high number of permissions given by BMC for cutting tress said, "The BMC is clearly violating court's order where they have to physically inspect the tree and then take a decision if to trim or cut it. If the tree department is giving permissions within 48 hours, it is practically impossible that they have inspected every tree. The tree officers are under extreme pressure to prevent tree falls, thus, they simply cut branches which are many a times healthy. Last year, a junior tree officer was suspended for negligence in tree cutting. The officers want to save their jobs and are granting quick permissions."
A higher rank tree officer said, "Yes, our officers are ensuring that tree falls are minimal and no loss to life or property is incurred. But, we have a small team, if an officer gets 40 tree trimming requests in a day, it is practically not possible to visit every site. And to prevent mishaps permissions are granted. Even after our precautions trees fall; it is natural disaster."
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