Mumbai: Mahim Residents Take Root Against Rising Heat, Prep City For Monsoon Tree Plantation Drive

Mumbai: In the summer months leading to the monsoon, the Mahim Residents Group have a job - identifying locations for new trees that can be planted when the rains arrive.

In the last 15 years, the group estimates that they have helped the municipal corporation plant more than a thousand trees in the G (North) municipal ward which includes Mahim.

For Irfan Machiwala, a member of the group, apart from identifying the spots that can accomodate a tree, the job also involves convincing residents of the area about the importance of trees in moderating weather and providing shade. Opposition comes from shopkeepers who do not want trees to block their shop fronts and residents who do not like trees blocking their views. There is hostility from hawkers who do not want trees on the footpaths," said Machiwala."We try to involve them in our work by taking their help in caring for young saplings till they grow into a tree," Machiwala said.

Farooque Dhala, another member, said. "We take necessary permissions and prepare the site for planting during the rainy season."

The group said survival rates of saplings have increased after the municipal corporation started planting specimens that are over six- feet tall. "But the saplings need water and maintenance during summer. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation does not water the saplings in the dry months. So we try to involve residents in helping the trees survive.” added Dhala.

Machiwala said more trees are a natural solution to rising temperatures. "Many old parts of the city, especially Muslim localities, have fewer trees,” said Machiwala. Studies have shown that densely-built urban areas can be warmer than localities that have more green cover. A recent study by Respirer Living Sciences on 'Urban Heat Island' effect in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region said the disparity is caused by various factors, including urban planning and loss of green cover. This creates several microclimate zones in the same city.

Ronak Sutaria, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Respirer Living Sciences, said that trees block infrared radiation from roads and buildings and reduce surface temperatures. “ Strategic planting native species along roadsides and incentivising community-led urban forestry initiatives can create resilient microclimates, offering immediate and long-term relief from escalating heat stress,” said Suratia.

“There is a change in people's mindset. They have realised that more trees are necessary because of the frequent heat waves," added Machiwala.

Box Key findings from Respirer

Certain areas in Mumbai face heightened vulnerability due to dense concrete infrastructure, reduced green cover, and concentrated human activity.

Neighborhoods like Bandra-Kurla Complex or Andheri’s commercial hubs experience intense heat retention from asphalt roads, glass-clad buildings, and limited airflow between high-rises.

Remedial measures include retrofitting heat-absorbing surfaces with reflective materials (e.g., cool roofs), integrating green roofs, and vertical gardens in high-rise buildings, and reviving natural cooling agents like wetlands and tree canopies.

Effective urban planning is also key, incorporating open spaces, wider streets for better airflow, and buildings that enhance natural ventilation.

Role of tree cover in mitigating heat

Tree cover acts as Mumbai’s natural air conditioner- a mature tree canopy can lower ambient temperatures through shade and transpiration.

Trees block infrared radiation from roads and buildings and reduce surface temperatures, critical for informal settlements like slums.

Strategic planting native species along roadsides and incentivising community-led urban forestry initiatives can create resilient microclimates, offering immediate and long-term relief from escalating heat stress