No more Chemburs: How can Indian cities ensure their trees do not ‘turn against’ their people

The thud of a battered, old peepal tree on a school van in Chembur , Mumbai, on June 30. A life stuck down in its prime, tragically ended ushering the parents of the victim into countless nights spent sleepless with the sheets soaked in tears. Children rushed to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The inquiry that followed reached its denouement on July 14, absolving Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s Garden Department and Roads Department of blame; and finding the contractor and consultancy firm derelict of duty.