BMC urges housing societies to take responsibility of watering trees

Mumbai: Housing societies across Mumbai have been urged by the BMC to take responsibility for watering trees within private premises as soaring temperatures continue to impact the city’s green cover. Simultaneously, the civic body’s Solid Waste Management department has begun watering roadside trees through tankers during road-cleaning drives in several parts of the city. Civic officials said the initiative aims to prevent trees from weakening due to lack of moisture in the soil during extreme heat conditions. According to experts, inadequate water supply can weaken roots, increase the risk of trees uprooting, and cause branches to dry out and become brittle. As part of the drive, trees were watered using tankers in the G South ward, as well as in Santacruz and Juhu. The BMC said non-potable water suitable for trees is being used for the exercise. The garden department is also carrying out tree maintenance, watering and health monitoring activities across Mumbai. The civic body has appealed to residents and housing societies to regularly water trees in their vicinity to help preserve Mumbai’s tree cover during summer.