Tree-loving citizens have, for long, been concerned about the BMC’s tree-pruning exercise. Since the trees are indiscriminately and unscientifically – pruned, there was a need felt on how to address this issue effectively.
A session on ‘Tree-Care’, by Robert Fernandes, an urban horticulture consultant, was recently hosted by the Friends of Malabar Hill in the Hanging Garden.
Some of the solutions offered were:
1. Sensitising the BMC’s horticulture and tree authority staff on how trees can be safely pruned rather than butchering them.
2. If a Horticultural Assistant (a mandatory requirement) is not present on the site when trees are being “trimmed” or cut, to take photos and send them to the concerned Ward Officers.
3. Inviting Ward Officers to the RWA meetings to communicate our concerns to them.
4. Initiating a dialogue with housing societies opting for redevelopment, to retain the existing green cover on their plots. Raising awareness on the importance of old-growth trees.
5. Creating a federation of citizens’ movements across the city, to protect the natural environment that is falling prey to misplanned development.
6. Planting native trees that attract bio-diversity and pollinators.
A list of the BMC’s trees and gardens’ ward-wise details and a document on tree-care were shared, too.
We’re very thankful to Robert for conducting the talk and all the participants for attending it.
