Now, victims of falling trees will get Rs1 lakh compensation

It took three deaths for the civic body to wake up to the accidents caused by trees in the city. Following the public outcry, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to compensate the victims and their families.

The garden and recreation department of the BMC has submitted a compensation policy to the additional municipal commissioner. The victims now stand to claim compensation of over Rs1 lakh from the civic body.

“A policy has been drafted to compensate any victim who dies or gets injured due to tree collapse. The compensation will bestow immediate benefits to the victims,” said Chandrasekhar Rokade, deputy municipal commissioner, garden and recreation.

The policy distinguishes victims under various categories. For instance, if the injuries lead to death, the victim’s family is entitled to avail of compensation of over Rs1 lakh. The victims suffering complete or partial disability will get anything between Rs25,000 and Rs75,000, whereas those with minor injuries will get Rs25,000.

“The compensations will be given out within 30 days,” said Rokade.
Meanwhile, the BMC has also changed the existing pruning policy. Trees will be trimmed every month, and inspections will be carried out on a regular basis, said Rokade. “If a society or commercial complex doesn’t follow the guidelines, they will face criminal charges under the BMC Act,” he said.