An Update on the Hanging Garden Water Reservoir Reconstruction Project
Since over a month now, the issue of reconstruction of the Hanging Garden water reservoir, has been raging, between the residents of Malabar Hill and the BMC authorities. The civic body plans to construct an alternative reservoir on a plot, adjoining the Hanging Garden. For which, it plans to cut 389 trees of that area. It all started in the second week of September, when notices dated 6.9.2023, were pasted on the trees marked for cutting, as proposed in the reconstruction plan. Residents objected to this proposal at a meeting held subsequently by the Tree Authority, saying, not only will this project destroy the Hanging Garden, a portion of the Shantivan garden and the Garden Dept. workers’ quarters – it will also, cause an enormous environmental impact on the Hill (including, its geological safety). With such a large number of trees and vegetation being cut, entire eco and micro systems will be obliterated.
At a meeting held on 26 September, in response to the local residents’ vehement opposition to the project, Guardian Minister (Mumbai Suburban) and MLA (Malabar Hill), Mangal Prabhat Lodha, asked the BMC officials to come up with an alternate plan. He also asked the residents to nominate members for a steering committee, which would work collaboratively with the BMC — to chalk out alternative measures for the proposed plan. During the meeting, residents had also voiced their displeasure over the notices pasted on the trees. MLA Lodha, instructed the BMC, to have the notices removed until the matter was resolved. Consequently, members of the steering committee had a meeting with senior water supply project officials, to understand the water supply network and reconstruction project plans. The Municipal Commissioner-BMC, Iqbal Singh Chahal, was also asked by MLA Lodha, to amend the proposal.
Even as the BMC tries to prove, within a month, that it is taking precautionary measures to minimise the environmental degradation of the woods — the steering committee is actively exploring every avenue, to find a solution. Whereby, both issues can be addressed satisfactorily. Which is, repairs of the reservoir and augmentation of the water capacity whilst ensuring the environmental conservation of the Malabar Hill woods.
Residents have initiated a campaign to, save Hanging Garden and its adjoining woods. To stay connected and share ideas, they’ve also formed a WhatsApp group. Although most of the members are against the cutting of the nearly 400 trees, there are some, who feel otherwise — proving, that we are still an active democracy which respects differing opinions. Through the efforts of tree activists like, Zoru Bhathena — the group members are kept informed of not only, the history of the Hanging Garden water reservoir, the project as planned by the BMC, but also, the various reports based upon which this project has been conceptualised. The group being a dynamic one, a fair and vibrant exchange of views is often noticed — to ensure the best possible resolution of this issue.
MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha, is taking a keen interest in this issue, and has held meetings with the steering committee and BMC officials. He has also written to the officials to find an alternative site for the new reservoir.
Moreover, residents met with MLA and Guardian Minister (Mumbai City District), Deepak Kesarkar, to discuss the matter. He has promised his full cooperation to the campaigners, saying, he has sought the intervention of the Chief Minister, and that they will be consulting experts — to see, if the reconstruction project can be implemented without demolishing the garden. With many new technologies now readily available, he said, other viable options
would be explored.
Please raise awareness of and support the campaign, by following our Instagram handle: @save.hanging.garden Hashtag: #savehanginggarden
Article by Pervin Sanghvi (environmentalist and resident, Malabar Hill), alongwith the editorial team of The Voice of Malabar Hills.
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