Frame policy to compensate Mumbai tree fall victims: BMC standing committee

Drishti Mungra, 13, was killed after a tree fell on her on SN Dube Road in Dahisar on Saturday.

Taking note of the casualties this monsoon, members of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) standing committee have asked the administration to frame a compensation policy for victims of such accidents.

BMC has been facing severe flak for unscientific methods of tree pruning in Mumbai. (HT File)

Drishti Mungra, 13, was killed after a tree fell on her on SN Dube Road in Dahisar on Saturday.

The same night, a tree fall at Shivaji Park in Dadar left Shreya Raut, 20, with severe injuries. Raut is being treated at Hinduja hospital.

Ravi Raja, leader of opposition, said, “BMC should compensate the victims of both the two incidents and frame an overall compensation policy for casualties owing to negligence in civic work. Also, the administration should appoint a botanist in all seven zones of the city to inspect trees and consult the gardens department.”

Rais Shaikh, Samajwadi Party leader, said, “There should be a compensation policy for casualties owing to open manholes, craters and tree falls. BMC needs to ensure there is no shoddy work. Officials who fail to do their work should be criminally liable.”