India, April 6 -- Experts blame excavation and concretisation from urban projects for weakening city trees following the tragic death of a flower vendor during recent rains. On April 2, Ranjana Navnath Giri died near the Navshya Maruti temple on Sinhagad Road after a tree in the vicinity got uprooted by strong winds and heavy rain. Two other persons suffered injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital.

Excavation for roads and utility lines often damages root systems, leaving trees structurally unstable even if they appear healthy for years. Additionally, excessive concretisation around tree bases has worsened the problem. In many areas, asphalt and concrete are laid right up to the trunk, restricting root growth and reducing stability...