According to data released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), 523 trees fell on July 6, the highest number recorded in a single day this monsoon season. Strong winds and continuous rainfall led to tree falls across several areas, including Goregaon, Kurla, Matunga, and Dadar.
One of the victims was 11-year-old Vihaan Shrivastav, who died on June 30 after a roadside tree fell on his school bus in Chembur. The accident happened around 3 pm near Heritage Pride on Road No. 11. The student of Universal High School suffered serious head and abdominal injuries and was declared dead at Zen Hospital. Four other children on the bus suffered minor injuries.
Local residents claimed they had repeatedly warned the BMC about the condition of the tree. Internal civic records had also reportedly pointed out that road construction on Road No. 11 had damaged the tree’s roots, increasing the risk of it collapsing during the monsoon. Following the incident, the BMC suspended a garden department official while an inquiry is underway.
Two more people lost their lives in separate tree-fall incidents later in the week. On July 5, 18-year-old Hasan Raza Jahangir Alam Syed died after a tree branch fell on his motorcycle in Aarey Colony. A day later, 63-year-old Yunus Kundawala was killed in Kurla West when a tree collapsed onto the shop where he was present. The BMC has announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for his family.
Civic data shows that 1,124 tree falls were reported between June 30 and July 6. The number increased steadily through the week, rising from 36 incidents on June 30 to 523 on July 6.
The western suburbs recorded the highest number of tree falls with 448 cases. The eastern suburbs reported 340 incidents, while 336 were recorded in the city area.
In the last 24 hours alone, the BMC received 276 complaints related to fallen trees. Teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade and civic departments were deployed to remove fallen trees, clear roads, and restore traffic movement.
Experts say rapid urban development, construction work near trees, concrete around tree bases, and poor maintenance have weakened many trees, making them more vulnerable during heavy rains.
With more rainfall expected in the coming days, civic authorities have advised residents not to park vehicles under trees and to report any leaning or damaged trees to the BMC without delay.
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