Thane: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has completed nearly 45 per cent of its pre-monsoon campaign to prune hazardous tree branches across the city.

The initiative, which began two months ahead of schedule this year, has so far covered 2,753 out of the 6,367 identified trees.

Under the directives of TMC Commissioner Saurabh Rao, the pruning drive is currently underway in key areas such as roadsides, footpaths, schools, hospitals, parks, bus stops, and residential zones.

The trimming is being carried out on technical grounds to prevent accidents during the monsoon, particularly those caused by tree branches coming into contact with electric lines.

According to TMC Tree Officer Rajesh Sonawane, a ward-wise survey has guided the process, which is currently progressing in Naupada-Kopri (35%), Uthalsar (40%), Lokmanya-Savarkar Nagar (42%), Wagle (35%), Majivda-Manpada (60%), Vartaknagar (48%), Kalwa (46%), Mumbra (63%), and Diva (24%). The remaining work is scheduled for completion by the end of May.

To preserve tree health and summer shade, only essential pruning is being done. The resulting green waste is being sent to TMC’s Kopri centre for organic composting. Former corporators and public representatives are also being consulted to identify critical areas.

For complaints, citizens may contact the Disaster Management Cell at 1800-222-108 or 8657887101 regarding trees in a perilous condition.