The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is considering major reforms to strengthen tree protection across the city following the death of 11-year-old Vihaan Srivastava in a tree collapse in Chembur. An internal committee appointed by Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has recommended greater accountability for contractors and civic departments involved in infrastructure projects that could affect trees.

The committee has proposed that all future civic infrastructure tenders include specific clauses requiring contractors and executing departments to protect and maintain trees located near project sites. The recommendations place particular emphasis on safeguarding root systems, which can be damaged during excavation, road construction and other infrastructure work.

Under the proposed framework, contractors and the civic departments overseeing projects would be held responsible for the condition of affected trees throughout the execution of the work. The measure is aimed at preventing construction activity from weakening roots or destabilising trees, which could increase the risk of collapse during heavy rain and strong winds.

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The recommendations were prepared following the fatal incident in Chembur involving Vihaan Srivastava. His death prompted the civic administration to examine existing tree protection practices and identify gaps in accountability. The internal committee was formed to recommend measures that could reduce the risk of similar incidents and improve the protection of Mumbai’s urban tree cover.

The committee’s report was submitted late on Thursday night to the office of an Additional Municipal Commissioner, according to civic sources. The recommendations are expected to be reviewed by senior officials before any new rules are formally introduced into tender conditions and infrastructure project procedures.

If implemented, the proposed reforms could change how the BMC manages trees around construction and infrastructure sites by assigning direct responsibility to those carrying out and supervising the work. The move is intended to ensure that tree protection becomes an integral part of project execution rather than a separate concern addressed only after damage occurs.

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