Worried over losing the famous Aarey Milk Colony tree avenue to rapid soil erosion, environmentalists cautioned the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) against unscientific tree trimming and demanded that the process to reinforce tree bases be initiated at the earliest.
Environmentalist and Project Director for NGO Vanashakti, Stalin D, said, "Due to the water gushing and water channels flowing close to the trees during monsoon, over a period of time several trees have been losing soil around the base and titling. I was surprised to see people trimming a tree's branches falling on the side of the road. This will affect the balance of the tree and can cause tree fall."
He said, "The BMC or Dairy department should ensure that they do not trim the trees without the presence of a tree expert. The BMC, which collects tree cess from every citizen to care for the trees, needs to wake up and take efforts to save all the trees along the Aarey stretch."
Stalin said a proper plan needed to be drawn to reinforce the soil by taking steps like shifting the water channels and even creating rock barriers to balance the tree and save the soil from washing off.
Biju Augustine, member of Aarey Conservation Group (ACG) said, "Several trees lined up on the left side while on the way towards Powai from Goregaon are titling. We are planning to organise a meeting with BMC to take up the matter soon," he said.
A senior BMC official from the Tree department said that the citizens need to approach the ward office and register their concerns.
