Mumbai: Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat has kicked up a row by saying falling of trees and lightning strikes are not in human hands. The comment came in the wake of the death of a student after a tree collapsed on a school bus in Chembur.A day after he made the remarks, the social justice minister on Wednesday sought to control the damage, claiming that he had been misquoted and that the civic body should have ensured proper trimming of trees in advance to prevent such incidents.Asked about the incident, Shirsat on Tuesday said, “How was one to know that the tree was going to fall? Falling of a tree or lightning is not in our hands. Maybe there were heavy winds.”His comments drew sharp reactions from the Congress and NCP (SP). Congress’ Nana Patole said the remarks show “the level of arrogance” within the govt. “Monsoon preparedness was only on paper, there was nothing on the ground,” Patole said. NCP (SP)’s Clyde Crasto dubbed Shirsat’s remarks as “shameful” and “insensitive.”Talking to reporters on Wednesday, Shirsat, however, maintained his remarks were misconstrued. “This was a very unfortunate incident. I had said that even though falling of trees is natural, civic authorities should take due precautions. Trees which are about to collapse should be removed before onset of monsoon,” Shirsat said.He alleged that some people tried to misquote him. “All I had said was that even if the falling of a tree was due to natural causes, the civic body should have taken proper care. The trees should have been trimmed well in advance. Such warnings cannot be ignored in the name of conserving nature. Otherwise, more such incidents will happen,” Shirsat said.The state govt is still concerned and making efforts to avoid such incidents, he said. The BMC had been directed to take necessary measures to prevent such accidents in future, the minister said.Shiv Senas MLA Tukaram Kate and Murji Patel attacked the BMC in the assembly. Kate, who represents Chembur, said this is not the first time such an accident has happened in his constituency. “I have been repeatedly calling civic officials to take precautionary measures, but in vain,” he said.Patel demanded the govt take steps to help the boy’s family and the injured victims.
