Thane records 160 tree collapses in six months tripling civic estimates

Thane has witnessed a severe surge in tree collapse incidents during the first six months of 2026, with approximately 160 trees uprooted across the municipal limits. This figure is nearly triple the Thane Municipal Corporation's tree authority survey, which had identified only 68 trees as dangerous. The sharp rise in uprooted trees has caused severe property damage to homes and vehicles, multiple injuries, and fatalities, placing immense pressure on civic authorities to reassess their urban plantation strategies.

According to monthly civic data for 2026, the number of tree collapses has escalated rapidly as the monsoon season intensified. The city recorded eight incidents in January, which rose to 33 in May, and peaked at 78 collapses in June. This steep upward trajectory has sparked serious safety concerns among local residents who fear for their lives and property during heavy spells of rain.

Experts studying the pattern of collapses point out that exotic, non-native trees, particularly the 'Rain Tree' species, are the most vulnerable to strong winds. Due to concrete constraints around their bases and natural aging, these foreign trees cannot develop deep root systems, making them highly unstable in urban environments.

The worsening trend is also evident from historical data recorded in Thane over the past few years. In 2023, the city saw 362 trees uprooted alongside 344 large broken branches. In 2024, the numbers jumped drastically to 676 uprooted trees and 485 fallen branches, showing a steady rise in hazardous incidents.

These recurring accidents have led to severe property damage, injuring multiple people and causing fatalities. Following a recent tragic incident in Chembur, Mumbai, where a fallen tree struck a school van, civic authorities in Thane are facing mounting pressure from local residents and experts to proactively trim hazardous branches and reform their urban forestry practices to prevent further loss of life.