The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has modified its Malabar Hill reservoir project, significantly reducing the number of trees affected from 389 to 76—an almost 80 per cent drop. The revision follows sustained opposition from residents and environmental groups concerned about the impact on the green cover near Hanging Gardens.
The earlier proposal, estimated at around ₹698 crore, involved a complete reconstruction of the reservoir, which supplies nearly 147 million litres of water daily to South Mumbai. However, the scale of planned tree cutting and ecological concerns prompted the civic body to withdraw the original design and reassess the project.
Under the updated plan, the BMC will undertake phased repairs instead of full-scale redevelopment. To maintain uninterrupted water supply during the process, a 52 MLD alternative reservoir has been proposed. This temporary facility will ensure continuity when sections of the main reservoir are taken offline for maintenance.
The redesigned system introduces a three-tier arrangement comprising underground, ground-level, and elevated storage tanks. Water will be circulated through this structure and pumped as required, allowing repair work to proceed without disrupting supply. Officials indicated that these technical adjustments have enabled a substantial reduction in the number of trees impacted while still meeting operational requirements.
The project has undergone several revisions over time. Earlier plans to demolish and rebuild the reservoir were shelved following public resistance, leading to multiple design evaluations before finalising the current approach.
Despite the reduced environmental impact, some residents remain sceptical. Questions have been raised about the need for an additional tank, with suggestions that phased repairs alone may suffice. Others have expressed concerns over the survival rate of transplanted trees and the broader ecological implications of construction activity in the area.
Source: Prop News Time
