Thane mayor Ashok Pimpalolkar has ordered a city-wide survey of dangerous trees following a tragic school bus accident in neighboring Mumbai that claimed multiple lives. The directive, issued on Wednesday, aims to prevent similar incidents by identifying and addressing hazardous trees in public and private spaces.
Urgent Meeting and Directive
Pimpalolkar convened an urgent meeting of the Thane Municipal Corporation's Tree Authority Department on Wednesday. During the meeting, he instructed officials to conduct thorough inspections of trees located inside schools, colleges, housing societies, hospitals, and along major traffic junctions. The survey will prioritize areas with high footfall and vehicular movement.
Scope of the Survey
The survey will cover all 33 wards of Thane city. Officials have been directed to identify trees that are dead, diseased, leaning, or have large overhanging branches that could pose a risk. The Tree Authority will also assess trees that have been damaged by recent heavy rains or storms. According to the mayor, the survey must be completed within two weeks.
Preventive Measures
In addition to the survey, Pimpalolkar has ordered immediate action on any dangerous trees identified. This includes pruning, trimming, or removal of trees that cannot be saved. The mayor emphasized that safety is paramount and that no negligence will be tolerated. He also urged citizens to report any hazardous trees in their vicinity to the municipal corporation.
Background of the Tragedy
The decision comes in the wake of a devastating incident in Mumbai where a falling tree crushed a school bus, killing several children and injuring others. The tragedy has sparked outrage and demands for better maintenance of trees across the city. Thane, being a neighboring district, has seen increased concern among residents about the safety of trees in their area.
Reactions and Next Steps
Local residents and parent-teacher associations have welcomed the mayor's swift action. Many have called for regular inspections and a long-term tree management plan. The Thane Municipal Corporation has assured that the survey will be conducted transparently and that all findings will be made public. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for next month to review progress.
