The 140-year-old Malabar Hill reservoir below Hanging Garden will be rebuilt by the BMC. A 90MLD tank will be built behind the garden before this is done in order to prevent the disruption of South Mumbai’s water supply during development.

Mumbai: Veteran campaigners like Prakash Munshi, Dr. Nilesh Baxi, and even Bollywood actor Juhi Chawla were present for round two of the Malabar Hill residents’ meeting with MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha and the BMC on Tuesday. They had come to provide support. The locals have offered four different locations for the reservoir in place of the BMC’s present plan to reconstruct the Malabar Hill reservoir.

A geological survey of Malabar Hill was suggested by engineer-by-trade Kavas Petigara. The strength of the slope and its ability to support the weight of two water reservoirs will be determined by that, he added. This is a sensible suggestion, according to additional municipal commissioner P Velrasu.

The 140-year-old Malabar Hill reservoir below Hanging Garden will be rebuilt by the BMC. A 90MLD tank will be built at a location behind the garden prior to this so that water supply to South Mumbai is not interrupted during construction.The discussion was emotionally charged, with some homeowners threatening to move court or engage in a “Chipko movement” (hug the trees). “Kindly take the signs from the trees. Even trees are aware of them. Throw out this idea,” an agitated local remarked.

Dr. Nilesh Baxi, a frequent walker at Hanging Garden, expressed his extreme concern at the site’s destruction of old trees and a forest. The BMC can build a new reservoir on alternate sites, he suggested, rather than restoring the reservoir and felling so many trees. On behalf of the locals, Dr. Baxi proposed four different locations: the S M Joshi playground close to St Elizabeth Hospital, the area reclaimed for the Coastal Road near Priyadarshini Park, the Gwalior Tank, and Mahalaxmi Racecourse, which has about 25 acres of accessible space. To look into other locations, a working committee will be formed including representatives from Malabar Hill, local government, and experts.

A geological survey of Malabar Hill was suggested by engineer-by-trade Kavas Petigara. The strength of the slope and its ability to support the weight of two water reservoirs will be determined by that, he added. This is a sensible suggestion, according to additional municipal commissioner P Velrasu.

Source- Hindustan time
Link- https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/upset-malabar-hill-residents-suggest-alternative-sites-for-reservoir-to-save-green-cover-101695757094820.html