Mumbai, April 15 -- As part of its annual tree maintenance drive, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has begun trimming 46,336 trees across the city, aiming to complete the exercise by the end of May or, at the latest, by June 7. The trees were identified through a survey conducted by the civic body's garden department, with findings later validated by contractors assigned to carry out the work. During the survey, officials also identified 325 trees as dead or hazardous, recommending their removal. So far, the BMC has pruned 12,561 trees, about 27% of the total target, and removed 279 dead or dangerous trees. "Trees are trimmed to ensure that they stay balanced and have a healthy growth," said an official. While the BMC carries out most trimming on its own land, such as along roads, it also supervises work on private properties. Activist Nimish Malde questioned why trimming is carried out during peak summer."It is during the summers that the shade of the trees are most needed. Shouldn't they trim trees after the monsoons when the trees are enveloped with foliage?," said the Wadala resident who regularly posts about tree trimmings on X. However, a BMC official said, "During the monsoons, trees are prone to fungal infections. If the trees are cut during the summers, then it prevents spread of fungal infections, and helps the tree to heal and recover." Activist Zoru Bhathena, however, criticised the quality of pruning, claiming that improper techniques can weaken trees. "These contractors trim top down. This leaves trees top-heavy, increasing the risk of collapse," he said....