200 trees lost to rains since June 9
Only 0.64 per cent of Mumbai is under green cover and the city has already lost 200 trees in the first week of the monsoon.
Only 0.64 per cent of Mumbai is under green cover and the city has already lost 200 trees in the first week of the monsoon.
Environmentalists said the wrong choice of trees and large-scale infrastructure work are the major reasons for the uprooting of trees, which can otherwise withstand gusty wings.
Gulmohar and Erythina Indica trees are susceptible to infection and have soft roots unlike native trees like Jarul, Karanj and Putranjiva. This causes them to fall easily during rains when the wind speed is high.
Green activists also opined that the municipal body should conduct a scientific analysis of uprooted trees with regard to their species, age and location. “Only then will we be able to point out the exact reasons,” said environment activist Rishi Agarwal.
The civic authority agreed that frequent digging of roads weakens roots and paver blocks do not give the roots enough space to spread. “We are giving support to trees that are tilting and also putting up wind guards against trees along the seaside,” said an official from the Garden department.