key points :
BMC Scraps New Tank Plan: Mumbai’s civic body abandons original reconstruction proposal.
Saving Trees and Hanging Garden: 389 trees and iconic landmark protected from demolition.
Resident Concerns Heard: Public outcry leads to revised approach for Malabar Hill Reservoir.Conflicting
Reports Resolved: Expert opinion sought to address reconstruction vs. repair debate.Green Lung
Preserved: Malabar Hill’s natural beauty secured for future generations.
In a welcome decision for environmentalists and residents of Malabar Hill, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has scrapped its plan to construct a new tank for the reconstruction of the 136-year-old Malabar Hill Reservoir (MHR). This move saves 389 trees from the chopping block and ensures the preservation of the beloved Hanging Garden.
The original proposal involved building a new tank with a capacity of 91 million liters, which necessitated the removal of mature trees and potentially impacting the Hanging Garden. This sparked outrage from Malabar Hill residents, who fiercely opposed the destruction of these vital green spaces.
Residents’ Voices Heard:
Local residents voiced their concerns about the significant tree loss and the potential damage to the Hanging Garden, a cherished recreational area. Their protests led to the formation of an eight-member committee in November 2023 to evaluate the best course of action for the MHR project.
Conflicting Reports and Seeking a Solution:
However, the committee presented conflicting reports, with one group favoring complete reconstruction and another advocating for repairs. To address this uncertainty, the BMC sought a neutral opinion from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee.
A Shift in Direction:
Guardian minister MangalPrabhat Lodha intervened and urged the BMC to scrap the new tank proposal altogether. “One of the remaining open spaces in our hands is the Hanging Garden, a significant spot,” said Lodha. “We must respect the citizens who use this space and its natural beauty. The reservoir can be repaired without cutting down trees.”
Municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani echoed this sentiment, stating, “IIT Roorkee’s report is awaited, but it is almost certain that immediate construction of the entire thing is not required.”
Looking Ahead:
While the final report from IIT Roorkee is pending, the BMC seems confident that repairs to the existing reservoir are feasible. This decision ensures the preservation of Malabar Hill’s green cover and the historic Hanging Garden, a victory for both nature and the community.
