NMMC Starts Citywide Tree Protection Drive to Prevent Monsoon Tree Falls in Navi Mumbai

Civic Body Orders One-Meter Open Spaces Around Trees to Improve Root Health and Rainwater Absorption

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has launched a citywide tree protection drive aimed at preserving the city’s green cover and reducing tree and branch falls during heavy monsoon rains and strong winds.

As part of the campaign, NMMC has instructed its departments to remove concrete, asphalt and paver blocks placed around trees. The civic body will also ensure that trees have enough open soil around their roots so they can receive adequate air and rainwater.

NMMC to Create Open Tree Pits Across Navi Mumbai

Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has directed officials to conduct a survey of trees across Navi Mumbai and provide a minimum one-meter-wide open pit around each tree.

For larger trees, the open space will need to be at least 1.5 meters wide. The soil inside these pits must remain about six inches below the surrounding ground level. The area around the pit will also be designed with a gentle slope to help rainwater reach the roots and improve water absorption.

Dr. Shinde said protecting existing trees requires better planning during road, footpath and infrastructure work. He stressed the need to give tree roots enough soil, air and water while ensuring that pruning and excavation work is carried out using proper methods.

Experts Point to Key Reasons Behind Tree Falls

The new measures were introduced after an expert meeting held to study why trees and large branches fall during the monsoon.

Experts identified several factors that can weaken trees, including excessive concrete around tree trunks, root damage caused by utility and construction work, poor access to sunlight, improper pruning and the selection of unsuitable tree species.

NMMC has therefore directed that no brick or cement structures be built around tree pits. The civic body has also asked officials to favor native tree species that are better suited to Navi Mumbai’s local environment.

Tree pruning will also need to follow scientific methods so that the natural structure and balance of trees are maintained.

New Road Projects Must Include Tree Plantation Space

NMMC has also introduced plantation requirements for newly developed and widened roads in line with the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Tree Conservation and Tree Protection Rules, 2009.

Under the prescribed guidelines, roads that are 24 meters or wider should have one tree planted every 10 meters. Roads between 12 and 24 meters wide should have trees at 10-meter intervals on both sides.

For roads between six and 12 meters wide, trees should be planted at intervals of 20 meters.

Road medians will also need to include around 4 to 5 feet of space for soil and shrub plantations. Where providing such space is not possible, adjoining medians should be developed as a continuous divider.

Tree Cutting and Excavation Will Need Official Approval

NMMC has made it clear that excavation work near trees must be carried out under the supervision of a Garden Assistant. The concerned department will also have to obtain permission from the Tree Officer before starting such work.

Any tree that needs to be removed or transplanted because of development work will require prior approval from the Tree Authority.

The civic body has warned that damaging trees or carrying out unauthorized tree cutting can lead to legal action under Section 21(1) of the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Tree Protection and Conservation Act, 1975.

NMMC Focuses on Long-Term Protection of Navi Mumbai’s Green Cover

Through the special drive, NMMC aims to improve the health of existing trees, protect their root systems and create safer conditions during extreme monsoon weather.

The initiative also seeks to make tree protection an important part of road construction, infrastructure development and urban planning across Navi Mumbai.