Mumbai Prepares for Comprehensive Tree Census After Eight-Year Interval
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to initiate a fresh and extensive enumeration of trees throughout the city starting next week. This marks the first such census in nearly eight years, with the previous one conducted back in 2018. That survey documented a total of 29.75 lakh trees within Mumbai's official city limits, a figure that expanded to approximately 33.7 lakh when the Aarey Colony area was included.
Anticipated Increase in Tree Numbers Due to Urban Plantation Efforts
Civic authorities are optimistic that the upcoming census will reveal a significant rise in the tree population. This expectation is largely attributed to the substantial growth in urban plantation initiatives across Mumbai in recent years. Notably, the development of Miyawaki forests has played a pivotal role in enhancing the city's green cover.
The introduction of the Miyawaki plantation method was spearheaded by former municipal commissioner Praveen Pardeshi, who directed ward-level officials to identify suitable plots for creating these dense urban forests. Originated by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, this technique has been adapted to utilize indigenous species that thrive in local environmental conditions.
"Over the last few years, Miyawaki plantations have picked up significantly in Mumbai. We expect an increase in the number of trees this time," stated garden superintendent Jitendra Pardeshi. He added that the comprehensive enumeration exercise is projected to take around one and a half years to complete fully.
Historical Context and Current Challenges
Although mandated to occur every five years, the tree census has been implemented irregularly, with prior counts conducted in 2008 and 2018. Officials have cited the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent logistical hurdles as primary reasons for the current delay. A crucial decision regarding whether to include Aarey Colony in this census remains pending. "Last time, we included Aarey after receiving a request from the dairy department," an official remarked. Authorities are also yet to finalize the starting point for the exercise; the 2018 census commenced from Raj Bhavan.
Data from the 2018 census highlighted coconut trees as the most prevalent species, numbering 2.11 lakh, followed by Ashoka, mango, Peltophorum, and other species such as peepal (Ficus religiosa), cluster fig (Ficus racemosa), gulmohar, and jamun.
Integrated Approach with Pre-Monsoon Tree Pruning Drive
Simultaneously, as part of its pre-monsoon preparedness measures, the BMC has intensified its annual tree-pruning campaign. Out of 46,336 trees identified for trimming, approximately 12,561 have already been pruned, with the work scheduled for completion by May 31.
To streamline both the pruning activities and the upcoming census, the civic body organized a training workshop on Wednesday at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden and Zoo in Byculla. Officials and experts received instruction in scientific pruning techniques, tree health assessment protocols, and the utilization of modern tools, including drones, for precise and efficient data collection.
Civic officials emphasized that this combined initiative aims to mitigate monsoon-related risks, such as falling branches, while generating updated and accurate data to inform Mumbai's urban planning strategies and bolster green cover conservation efforts.
