Pilot project to digitally map and assess health of trees in two wards: Ashish Shelar

Shelar said, “The initiative will involve developing a technology-driven system to digitally map, monitor, and manage every tree in Mumbai’s suburban areas. The system will generate detailed data about each tree, including its age, species, health condition, growth of branches, pruning requirements, and environmental benefits

Mumbai: In a move aimed at strengthening environmental conservation and tree management in the city, Maharashtra’s Information Technology Minister and Mumbai suburban guardian minister Ashish Shelar has announced a pilot project to conduct a comprehensive health assessment of all trees in the R-Central ward in Borivali and H-West ward in Bandra, Khar and Santacruz West using advanced technology.

Pilot project to digitally map and assess health of trees in two wards: Ashish Shelar

Shelar said, “The initiative will involve developing a technology-driven system to digitally map, monitor, and manage every tree in Mumbai’s suburban areas. The system will generate detailed data about each tree, including its age, species, health condition, growth of branches, pruning requirements, and environmental benefits.”

As part of the project, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology will be used to create three-dimensional imaging of trees, allowing authorities to prepare accurate digital records. Each tree will be assigned a unique digital identification code containing information such as its growth pattern, carbon absorption capacity, role in reducing pollution, contribution to rainwater drainage, and other ecological benefits.

To assess the internal health of trees, modern devices such as a resistograph, a minimally invasive drilling tool, will also be used. These instruments can detect decay, cavities, or internal damage within the trunk without cutting the tree, helping authorities determine whether a tree is structurally safe or poses a potential hazard.

Shelar added that tree surveys in Mumbai are currently carried out mostly through manual methods, which often fail to detect internal damage. This can lead to sudden incidents of trees collapsing. The proposed digital system will help authorities analyse such incidents, determine the reasons behind tree falls, and even investigate whether trees have been deliberately poisoned.

The project will establish an integrated framework for digital tree surveys, health diagnosis, treatment, and accident analysis. Initially, the initiative will be implemented on a pilot basis in the R-Central and H-West wards, with funding to be provided from the district development fund, Shelar added.

The announcement was made following a review meeting on tree conservation held at the Mantralaya under Shelar’s chairmanship on Monday. The meeting was attended by MLA Sanjay Upadhyay, Mumbai suburban district collector Saurabh Katiyar, and officials from the BMC.