Citizen writes to BMC to tend to trees on private compounds

An orthodontist and nature photographer has written to the municipal commissioner stating that in the light of rising instances of people dying due to tree collpases, the civic body should take responsibility of trees in private layouts too. Dr Sanjeev Shevade has for years been documenting trees and avian life in and around Dadar (East), raising concerns over precarious trees in Hindu Colony area.

Shevade, founder of Vivant UntamedEarth Foundation, said that while BMC is the caretaker of the trees in public spaces, there is no accountability for trees in private compounds, which are more prone to falling if there is negligence.

"Last monsoon we witnessed eight huge trees being uprooted. Just a week ago Dinesh Sangale died after a Gulmohar tree fell on him near Mumbai Marathi Grantha Sangrahalaya close to Hindu Colony. We are worried that if BMC does not take quick steps, more innocent lives will be at risk this monsoon," he said.

"Most trees located in residential complexes end up with trunks squeezed in concrete, or trimmed indiscriminately on the side of the building, causing imbalance. Trees are also 'boxed' in compound walls. All these factors make them vulnerable to falling if no attention is paid," said Shevade.

He siad the BMC should set up a proper policy and ensure auditing of green cover in private layouts near roads or public walkways.

A civic garden department official said that most trees that fell were located in private layouts. "As per rules, be it a building or private area, if there is a dangerous tree, the management has to write to BMC seeking permission to cut the tree. If they don't have someone to do the work, BMC provides them the labour at a cost. But we do not have any authority on private areas; it will require a lot more staff to manage it," said the official, adding a policy is needed to hld compound's management accountable.

PIN RESPONSIBILITY

• Sanjeev Shevade’s letter, which has also been sent to the Chief Minister, spoke about the need to deal strictly with private layouts that neglect trees on the premises. It also said those taking care of trees and greenery should be appreciated.