NMMC orders 1-metre tree pits across Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbai’s trees will get at least one metre of open ground around their trunks under a new NMMC drive aimed at reducing monsoon-related tree falls.

Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde has ordered civic departments to remove concrete, asphalt and paver blocks around trees. Larger trees must have pits at least 1.5 metres wide. Soil inside each pit must sit six inches below the surrounding surface, with adjoining ground sloping towards it to channel rainwater to the roots.

The directive follows an expert meeting that identified excessive concreting, root damage during utility and development works, inadequate sunlight, unscientific pruning and unsuitable species as reasons for trees and branches falling in the monsoon.

No brick or cement structures may be built around tree pits. New plantations should preferably use native species suited to Navi Mumbai, while pruning must be scientific. Excavation near trees will need supervision by a Garden Assistant and permission from the Tree Officer. Felling or transplanting a tree for development work will require Tree Authority approval.

NMMC will also survey trees citywide as the drive proceeds.