BMC to conduct tree audit in Mumbai, appoints 'tree surgeon'

A scientific risk assessment of Mumbai trees will be conducted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to determine the health of the trees in the city. BMC is aiming to diminish the likelihood of the trees falling and damaging the property or even death as a result of this audit. A renowned ‘tree surgeon' (arborist) Vaibhav Raje has been appointed by the BMC to lead this project in Mumbai. An arborist is an expert who specializes in the study of the management and cultivation of trees, perennial plants, and shrubs.

 

BMC made this decision amid the concerns over the climate change that is affecting the weather conditions in Mumbai. According to reports, the Arabian Sea is now witnessing major cyclones that hit the coastal regions of Mumbai, causing destruction. As per arborist Vaibhav Raje, tree evaluation is a new concept in India, but it is critical for cities with a large population, as in cities with dense populations the trees are under a lot of stress. It then becomes critical to keep up the trees in good condition, he added. Various types of equipment are used in examining the trees and without an expert this assessment is not possible.

 

As part of this pilot project, arborists are hired by BMC to look after over 200 trees in the South Mumbai region. BMC has asked the experts to submit the report after which the required treatment will be given to the trees. Mumbai witnessed cyclone Tauktae a few weeks ago, which resulted in 2,000 incidents of trees collapsing. Around 40 people have lost their lives in tree collapsing incidents since 2012. The BMC officials will use a Resistograph to survey the trees. A Resistograph is used to determine the structural stability of trees, stages of rot, wood decay, and hollow parts of the trees.