Chembur tree fall: BMC report questioned over clean chit to officials

BMC report clears officials, but questions linger

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's internal report on the Chembur tree collapse has drawn sharp criticism for absolving officials of any responsibility. The incident, which occurred last week, claimed two lives and injured three others when a large rain tree fell on a parked auto-rickshaw during a heavy downpour.

The report, submitted to the civic chief on Tuesday, concluded that the tree was healthy and that the collapse was an "act of nature" beyond human control. It did not recommend any disciplinary action against the concerned ward officers or tree inspection staff.

Activists and opposition demand deeper probe

Local residents and activists have rejected the findings. "We have repeatedly flagged dangerous trees in this area," said a member of the Chembur Residents' Forum. "To call this a natural disaster is a cop-out."

Opposition corporators in the BMC have demanded a judicial inquiry. They argue that the report failed to examine whether routine tree audits were conducted properly or if pruning and maintenance schedules were followed. The civic body has not yet released the full report to the public.

BMC defends its process

BMC officials maintain that the investigation was thorough. "The tree was inspected just two months ago and showed no signs of decay or disease," an official said. "Heavy rain and gusty winds were the immediate cause."

Municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal has backed the report but said the corporation will consider additional safety measures, including a fresh survey of old and large trees across the city. Mumbai has over 30 lakh trees, and the civic body has faced criticism in the past for poor maintenance.

The incident has reignited a broader debate about urban tree management in Mumbai. In the last five years, at least 15 people have died in tree-related accidents in the city, according to media reports. Activists say the BMC's tree cell is understaffed and often relies on outdated data.

What happens next

The opposition is expected to raise the matter in the upcoming BMC standing committee meeting. Meanwhile, the family of the deceased has said it will approach the Bombay High Court seeking a court-monitored investigation into the tree's maintenance history. The civic body has promised to expedite its tree audit for the Chembur ward specifically.