Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has acknowledged shortcomings in the civic body's micro-level monitoring system during monsoon preparedness, particularly regarding manhole management, after several complaints of rain-related problems surfaced across Mumbai. While defending the overall preparedness strategy followed by the corporation over the past four years, Bhide admitted that certain ground-level monitoring and execution gaps needed improvement. She said the BMC is reviewing individual complaints and taking steps to address issues on priority.

The civic chief said the BMC will begin its annual monsoon preparedness exercise earlier from January next year to allow more time for detailed planning, inspections and coordination among departments. She said the move is aimed at improving monitoring at a local level and preventing gaps in essential infrastructure management before the arrival of heavy rains. The admission comes after concerns were raised over waterlogging incidents and complaints related to civic facilities during recent rainfall spells in the city.

Addressing criticism over increasing tree fall incidents and allegations linking them to large-scale road concretisation, Bhide said road works alone cannot be considered the sole reason behind such incidents. She pointed out that around 1,700 kilometres of roads have already been concretised in Mumbai and said drawing a direct connection between concretisation and tree collapses would not be appropriate without scientific assessment. She added that trees such as banyan and peepal have complex root systems, and the civic body will seek expert advice to ensure sufficient water reaches roots during road development projects.

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The BMC is also collaborating with the University of Mumbai's Life Sciences and Biology departments to explore scientific methods for protecting trees while carrying out urban infrastructure work. According to the latest tree census, Mumbai has approximately 29.75 lakh roadside trees. Bhide said nearly half of these trees were pruned before the monsoon season, but cautioned that even maintained and trimmed trees can fall during extreme weather conditions involving heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Responding to criticism from the Mayor and Deputy Mayor over civic issues, Bhide denied any disagreement between the administration and elected representatives. She said both sides remain in regular communication and are focused on improving public services through better coordination. The commissioner added that lessons from recent monsoon-related challenges would be incorporated into future preparedness plans, with greater emphasis on detailed monitoring, timely action and improved execution at the local level.

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