Mumbai: Taking note of the death of a minor girl following the collapse of a tree at a construction site in Khar (W) on May 10, the BMC has announced financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh to the family of Aarika Srivastava (14), who died in the incident, and Rs 50,000 for Harshita Kumar (23), who was injured and is undergoing treatment.“Neuro-physiotherapy is supporting Kumar’s recovery journey at Kokilaben hospital. Although she is not yet fully conscious, we are hopeful that this will improve gradually,” said Harish Kumar, her father.The civic administration said it would undertake the necessary steps to tighten its policy framework to prevent such accidents in the future. The issue was raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Ankit Prabhu. Responding to the discussion, additional municipal commissioner Prajakta Lavangare-Verma clarified the administration’s stand. During the debate, several corporators demanded that the BMC undertake pre-monsoon pruning of dangerous trees located on private properties as a preventive measure.
