Mumbai: Brick and concrete enclosures choking trees in Shivaji Park?

Waste discarded in the empty structures surrounding a tree. Pics/Ashish Raje

Dadar residents have raised concerns about brick and concrete enclosures around trees in Shivaji Park, which they claim are violative of a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) guideline, which states that a breathing space measuring at least one square metre in area should be maintained around trees.

According to Dadar resident Prakash Belwade, the structures around the trees at Shivaji Park were originally built by the BMC. "Some of these were damaged, so the civic body repaired them recently, However, the NGT's breathing space guideline was not followed during this process. Also, rodents are clamouring to these closed-off structures," said Belwade.

Apprised about the situation, officials from the BMC's G North ward, told mid-day the structures were created for seating. "There are seating arrangements across the ground. Why does the BMC want seating around trees?" Belwade asked. Vaibhav Rege, another resident, said, "Why does the BMC spend money on beautification that is harmful for trees? There is no need to construct structures so close to the trunks."

Trees that residents feel lack adequate breathing space at Shivaji Park in Dadar

After the National Green Tribunal passed an order in connection with the preservation of roadside trees in 2018, the BMC put out a guideline stating that a minimum area of one square metre around be maintained to prevent trees from suffocating and to ensure their growth. In 2023, before starting its mega road concreting drive, the BMC decided to keep the base of trees free of debris.

Stalin Dayanand, environmentalist and petitioner in the preservation of roadside trees case, said, "The NGT had ordered that at least a square metre of area should be kept around trees as a breathing space. Rainwater should reach the base of trees, which could get obstructed due to these enclosures."

Residents claim rodents have been taking refuge in brick and concrete enclosures that are too close to tree trunks

An official of the garden department claimed that after these enclosures are filled with soil, the roots of the trees would be strengthened. Vinayak Vispute, assistant municipal commissioner, G North Ward said, "We will take note of the residents' complaints."