Recently, a regular Hanging Garden walker shared an article on WhatsApp referring to our Gardens as one of Mumbai’s prominent attractions. A walker was quoted, “It’s breathtakingly beautiful with vast stretches of flowers, some of which you won’t find anywhere else in Mumbai”. Can we say the same about the Gardens today? Looking at the current situation, the condition has declined significantly.
Walkers of Hanging Gardens have written to the Hon. Municipal Commissioner of BMC, requesting his intervention to improve the garden’s condition.
The letter acknowledged the Municipal Commissioner’s personal visit on June 5th and expressed appreciation for his concern for the garden.
The letter mentions:
1. Aesthetics – Request for increasing the horticulture in both the Gardens, like maintenance of grass, trimming of trees and plants (Topiary) which is seen slowly diminishing over the years. People come primarily for solace which one gets with Mother Nature. All Gazebos (at present 4 from total of 5), need proper refurbishment. The 5th needs to be re-erected.
2. Monitoring the maintenance of both gardens, specially the walking tracks as many people come for morning and evening walks. Currently, there is no established and successful technique of watering the tracks, resulting in dry dust in the air and unsafe atmosphere for walkers and staff. The walkers suggested watering at regular intervals by sprinklers or spraying with a pump. This will prevent the tracks from getting dry or slippery, resulting in less soil loss.
3. Water drainage system needs review.
4. Grills, fence, need proper cleaning and painting..
5. Proper hygiene standards in the toilets.
6. Better and vigilant security.
7. Safety and Convenience – Previously, suitable speed breakers were located at Gates 2 and 3, as well as one near K.N Park, opposite Malabar Hill Post Office. Two speed breakers are removed from Gates 2 and 3, and white strip light rumblers are placed. Vehicles go at extremely high speeds, endangering citizens, tourists, and children. In the past, this has led to permanent disability. A request is made to install proper speed breakers.
Both gardens are on the top of the hill, therefore walkers arrive by car. They remain peaceful citizens for many years. Since a year, there have been “No Parking” signs put on both sides of the road near the gardens. Walkers would park their cars on both sides; this caused no trouble or hindrance to anyone. There were never any issues with V.I.P car movements. This move has made things tough. The traffic officers click pictures on their cell phones and fine the owners. A request was to reinstate parking and remove the ‘No Parking’ signs.
The letter also raises worry over the proposal of cutting down 390 trees in and around both gardens. The letter adds that we need greater care and a proactive maintenance team, who are capable of communicating with the general public.
Lastly, the letter requests these are not complaints but road map for making an established system for qualitative up-keeping of both the gardens.
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