The reservoir is one of the important heritage assets of Mumbai. The present status of the reservoir is safe and can be maintained for a sufficiently long time to plan the minor repairs in detail and execute them carefully,” the report said, adding that such an approach would maintain the water supply to residents as was planned by the BMC in the phased reconstruction project that was originally tendered and contracted out. Residents and citizen activists have been protesting the BMC plan to raze the late 19th century reservoir and rebuild it.
The public campaign gained momentum after it transpired that the landmark Hanging Garden would be shut for at least seven years and that several dozen trees would be uprooted. A meeting was held at the BMC HQ between citizens and Malabar Hill MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha, who is also city guardian minister. The participants discussed the interim report and the opinion of four experts that it was possible to repair the reservoir without affecting supply and without building a new permanent supply tank. Two members of the committee differed, saying they were not confident if this could be done.
MUMBAI: Another committee member resigned, suggesting a conflict of interest as he was consultant to Skyways, which was awarded the original reservoir reconstruction project. The eighth member is the deputy municipal commissioner. The interim report stated that only parts of the reservoir need structural and non-structural repairs. It named the roof of tank 1C as needing repairs. “This tank has a functional capacity of 6.5 m litres and can be isolated for repairs. A small part of the roof of the tank 2A also can be attended to without affecting water supply…,”it said.
In conclusion, the ongoing debate over the fate of the Malabar Hill reservoir underscores the delicate balance between preserving heritage and addressing infrastructure needs. While the interim report suggests that selective repairs can be carried out without jeopardizing water supply, differing opinions within the expert committee and public concerns highlight the complexities of such decisions. As the BMC weighs its options, it is essential to prioritize a solution that respects the historical significance of the reservoir while ensuring the uninterrupted provision of water to residents. The evolving discussions and potential resolutions will likely shape the future approach to maintaining Mumbai's heritage assets in harmony with contemporary needs.
News Articles
Other News Articles