The jump in tree collapses have claimed at least two lives within a span of a week. (File)With the recent deaths of two persons in tree collapse incidents raising concerns over Mumbai’s tree health and impact of concretisation, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to rope in expertise of Indian Institution Technology (IIT) and Mumbai University to study the city’s tree system and identify how roadside tree roots can co-exist with underground utilities.Additionally, the civic body is exploring the possibility of creating more basins with soil around tree roots to safeguard them.Amid incessant showers lashing the region, Mumbai has recorded an unprecedented rise in tree collapses this month. BMC records show that between July 1 and July 6, the city reported 1,100 cases of tree collapses across suburbs and island city, marking an exponential rise from the previous years when Mumbai reported 855 tree collapses in 2025, and 653 trees in 2024.The jump in tree collapses have claimed at least two lives within a span of a week. On June 30, 11-year-old Vihan Srivastava was killed after a large Peepal tree came crashing on his school van in Chembur while Yunush Kundawala (63), a resident of BKC’s Bharat Nagar, was killed when a tree collapsed upon his shop on July 5.Speaking about the rising number of cases, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide attributed the numbers to high wind speed sweeping the city amid a red alert with the speed soaring to 70-80 kmph in multiple pockets of the region.However, taking cognisance of the rising number of tree collapses, Bhide on Tuesday said that the BMC has launched internal review meetings to review the health of Mumbai’s roadside trees. As per the 2018 tree census data, Mumbai is home to 29.75 lakh trees of which 2 lakh are situated along roadsides in public places.According to Bhide, the civic body has reached out to experts from Mumbai University’s Life Sciences and Biodiversity department as well as IIT Bombay to determine how “Mumbai’s trees and underground utility systems can co-exist”.Story continues below this ad“Mumbai’s 2 lakh roadside trees are vulnerable as they are situated largely along the footpaths, under which the utility lines surpass as well. Sometimes, the utility lines get entangled within the roots. We have to identify how we can make the roots as well as these underground utility lines so that the ecosystem of the tree remains healthy. We have already approached the Mumbai University and are also planning to seek help of IIT Mumbai experts to improve the tree systems,” Bhide said on Tuesday.“We will look at how the tree roots can be safeguarded. We will address various aspects ranging from concretisation to root systems and explore options like tying of roots to prevent the problem,” said Bhide, adding that a large number of Mumbai’s road side trees entail banyan and peepal trees which have complex root systems.At present, the civic body has started looking in the possibility of creating tree basins with soil around tree roots in certain pockets to improve their health and anchor them. “We have already explored such options in some areas like Malabar Hill. Now, we are looking into implementing such measures across larger spaces,” Bhide told reporters on Tuesday.In the wake of the rising incidents of tree collapses in Mumbai, the BMC has launched an immediate survey to inspect all road-side trees at a ward level. The BMC has started reviewing its existing SOP for tree pruning.Story continues below this adThe rising cases of tree collapses in Mumbai have rung alarm bells over the impact of concretisation drive wherein concrete laid upon tree basins restrict root growth and damages the zone.Addressing concerns, Bhide said, “It will be incorrect to directly infer that concretisation is effecting the trees as concreting is done on the main carriageway while most trees are situated upon the footpaths.”Nayonika Bose is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express’ Mumbai bureau. While in the early stages of her career, her focused reporting on local governance and community welfare already demonstrates clear Expertise and Trustworthiness in covering essential civic issues impacting Mumbai's residents. Expertise & Authority (E-E-A-T) Specialized Focus: Nayonika's reporting is dedicated to civic and community issues, providing readers with highly relevant, ground-level information about the functionality and administration of India's largest metropolitan area. Core Coverage Areas: Her articles highlight a strong focus on the fundamental quality of life and public safety in Mumbai, including: Civic Infrastructure: Reports on critical failures and initiatives related to public works, such as the recurring problem of unauthorized building collapses in Navi Mumbai, the construction of new infrastructure projects (like the Dahisar-Bhayandar Link Road and the Mahalaxmi cable-stayed bridge), and the maintenance of essential city services (e.g., manhole cover theft). Urban Governance & Crisis Management: Provides detailed coverage of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) response to major crises, particularly during the monsoon (e.g., heavy rainfall, water cuts, and public health concerns like dengue and malaria) and large-scale public safety incidents (e.g., the hoarding collapse fallout). Community Welfare & Rights: Reports on key social issues, including the financial aid scheme for persons with disabilities, the struggles of Mumbai's hawkers protesting eviction drives, and the dangers faced by workers due to the continuation of manual scavenging in water tanks. Cultural & Heritage Reporting: Covers significant community stories, including the restoration of British-era fountains and the history of institutions like the 126-year-old Chinchpokli cemetery, showing a breadth of interest beyond pure administration. Tweets @nayonikakb ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram