Advocate serves BMC notice demanding tree de-concretisation after Chembur death
On July 4, 2026, advocate Hitendra Gandhi served a legal representation to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demanding an immediate city-wide de-concretisation drive of tree bases in Mumbai. The legal notice follows a recent tree collapse incident in the Chembur locality, which resulted in the death of an 11-year-old schoolboy.
In the notice addressed to the Municipal Commissioner, Gandhi urged the civic body to protect roadside trees and prevent similar tragedies. He demanded the removal of concrete, paver blocks, and other impervious materials within a one-metre radius of tree trunks across Mumbai to allow water percolation and protect root health.
Gandhi also sought the disclosure of records concerning trees damaged during road concretisation, pavement works, and utility projects since January 2023. He argued that while road development and civic infrastructure are essential, they should not come at the cost of tree health and public safety.
According to the representation, covering tree bases with concrete, cutting roots during excavation, and leaving no space for water percolation weakens trees, making them vulnerable to collapse during the monsoon. Gandhi noted that concerns had already been raised about root damage caused during road works in Chembur before the fatal incident.
"The death of a child cannot be reduced to a departmental file. It must become the point at which Mumbai corrects the way it treats its roadside trees," Gandhi stated in the representation.
The notice cited a 2013 National Green Tribunal order directing authorities to maintain at least one metre of open space around tree trunks. Gandhi alleged that despite these directions, thousands of roadside trees across Mumbai remain encased in concrete.
To address this, Gandhi has sought a ward-wise survey of affected trees, the publication of notices issued for tree damage, and details of action taken against erring contractors or departments. He also called for a public dashboard to track trees requiring de-concretisation and safety inspections.
Additionally, the representation demanded urgent inspections of trees near high-footfall areas such as schools, hospitals, bus stops, and railway stations. Gandhi proposed constituting an expert committee of arborists, horticulture specialists, and civic officials to oversee the restoration work.
The BMC has been given a seven-day deadline to respond to the representation. Gandhi warned that he would initiate appropriate legal proceedings if effective corrective measures are not taken.
