In a proactive step to prevent mishaps during the monsoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced it will now undertake tree pruning inside private properties, a shift from its earlier practice of limiting such work to public roads and gardens. The decision comes in the wake of recent tragic incidents involving tree collapses, including those in Sewri and Vikhroli, which led to fatalities.

As part of its extended monsoon preparedness plan, BMC’s garden department will assess overgrown or weak trees situated within private housing societies and commercial premises. If found hazardous, notices will be issued to property owners instructing them to prune the trees. In cases of non-compliance, the civic body will carry out the pruning work directly, possibly at the owner’s expense.

The move aims to mitigate the risk of tree falls during heavy rain and strong winds—a recurring problem in Mumbai’s monsoon season. Over 3,500 tree-fall incidents were recorded last year alone, several causing injuries, deaths, or damage to property and vehicles. Experts believe many of these accidents could be avoided with timely and scientific pruning.

BMC has already intensified its pre-monsoon campaign, which includes pruning trees on roads, footpaths, gardens, and near public infrastructure like bus stops and electrical poles. The civic body has also appealed to Mumbaikars not to park vehicles near trees scheduled for pruning, and to stay alert during adverse weather conditions.

Furthermore, residential societies, private landowners, and government agencies have been urged to carry out preventive tree maintenance before monsoon intensifies. Citizens are encouraged to report any visibly weak or overgrown trees to the nearest ward office or via BMC’s mobile app for timely intervention.

The initiative reflects BMC’s commitment to public safety and environmental responsibility, especially as Mumbai braces for an active and potentially turbulent monsoon season.