Mumbai Residents Challenge BMC's Reservoir Plan in Protected Hanging Gardens
In a significant civic development, a group of citizens in Mumbai has formally written to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner to express strong opposition against the civic body's latest proposal. The plan involves constructing a 52 million-liter-per-day (MLD) three-tier alternative reservoir within the protected precinct of Hanging Gardens, a move that residents deem both unlawful and unnecessary.
Detailed Objections Based on Alleged Flaws
On April 9, residents submitted a detailed representation to the BMC, highlighting that the project is based on flawed assumptions and misinformation. This objection follows recent reports indicating that the BMC has finalized plans for the 52 MLD alternative reservoir. The civic body intends to proceed with this project while also planning repairs for the existing Malabar Hill reservoir and taking steps to reduce the number of trees affected by the construction.
Tracing the history of the project, citizens pointed out that a 2017 structural audit of the Malabar Hill Reservoir was allegedly misinterpreted. This misinterpretation led to the classification of the structure as dilapidated and dangerous, which in turn triggered a proposal for its demolition and reconstruction. However, subsequent inspections by an expert panel, which included professors from IIT-Bombay and citizen representatives, found the reservoir to be in excellent condition, requiring only minor repairs.
Based on inputs provided by the BMC, IIT-Roorkee issued a report in June 2024 recommending the construction of a new 52 million-liter tank. Residents have challenged this recommendation, alleging that the report was based on incorrect data furnished by the civic body. They claim that key assumptions regarding storage requirements and operational constraints are fundamentally flawed, raising serious questions about the necessity of the project.
Environmental and Legal Concerns Over Location
Strong objections have also been raised regarding the proposed location of the new tank. The Hanging Gardens precinct is a protected no-development zone and a designated green heritage plot, making any large-scale construction environmentally and legally questionable. Residents argue that if an additional tank is deemed necessary, it could be constructed at any suitable location within pipeline reach, rather than within such a sensitive ecological zone.
The alternate tank is proposed to be built on land behind Hanging Gardens, which will necessitate the demolition of existing staff quarters at the site. This further complicates the environmental and social impact of the project, adding to residents' concerns about the disruption to the area's heritage and natural beauty.
Upcoming Meeting to Discuss the Issue
A meeting is being planned for Friday evening with the local MLA, MP Lodha, at Hanging Gardens along with residents to discuss this issue further. This gathering aims to provide a platform for dialogue and potentially address the grievances raised by the citizens, highlighting the ongoing civic engagement in Mumbai's urban governance matters.
The citizens' opposition underscores a broader trend of public participation in environmental and urban planning issues, reflecting the growing awareness and activism among Mumbai's residents regarding the preservation of green spaces and heritage sites in the city.
