BMC prunes 23,334 tree branches

Notices issued to 4,909 societies; aim to prune 1.13 lakh trees along roads by June 7; over 400 trees found dead or infested; 386 trees removed; concern raised over lack of training

- SHEFALI PARAB-PANDIT

The BMC said that it has pruned 22,334 large and potentially hazardous tree branches. However, activists argue that the contractual labour used for this work lacks proper training, resulting in non-uniform and potentially harmful trimming methods that could negatively impact tree health. Makarand Narwekar, a former BJP corporator, has written a letter to civic authorities demanding the formulation of draft guidelines for tree pruning and the establishment of an expert panel, including arborists.