MUMBAI: The Chembur tree that collapsed and killed 11-year-old Vihaan Srivastav had extensive internal decay and damaged roadside roots, which compromised its stability and led to its fall, the BMC’s panel inquiring into the tragedy has said in a preliminary report.The panel noted that the tree had been visually inspected in May and found to be healthy, with no prior complaints regarding its condition.According to the report, submitted on Friday, while the roots on one side remained intact, the roadside roots were blunt and damaged, leaving the tree imbalanced and eventually causing it to collapse. The committee noted visible signs of decay inside the trunk.“The uprooted tree was estimated to be 60 to 70 years old, and no official complaints had been received regarding its condition. The tree underwent a visual inspection on May 12, during which it was found to be healthy and structurally sound, and was pruned on May 29 as part of the annual premonsoon tree maintenance drive,” an official said.
What BMC found
Among the panel’s key recommendations is the launch of a ‘Vrikshmitr’ initiative aimed at encouraging housing societies, resident associations and NGOs to monitor the health of trees in their neighbourhoods and alert the civic body about potentially hazardous trees before they pose a threat to public safety.Following the June 30 incident, the BMC suspended three officials pending a departmental inquiry over alleged negligence: Jagdish Bhoir, assistant garden superintendent of M-West ward; Yogesh Parte, assistant engineer of M-East ward; and Arun Mundhe, sub-engineer (roads), M-West ward.Of the three, the panel has reportedly recommended revoking the suspension of one, who had issued at least two written notices to the road repair contractor and the roads department, warning that excavation around tree bases was damaging roots and could lead to tree crashes.The accident trapped 13 children inside a school van, with one, Vihaan, succumbing to his injuries. Four other children sustained minor injuries.The panel comprised deputy municipal commissioners P Malavde (special engineering) and Shashank Bhore (engineering). The report was submitted to additional municipal commissioner Avinash Dhakane.
