MUMBAI, September 26, 2023 – The historic Hanging Gardens of Mumbai, a cherished landmark that's stood the test of time for 136 years, is at the brink of a significant transformation. The site could be inaccessible to the public for as long as seven years due to a proposed infrastructure development.

 

The city's civic body plans to reconstruct a colonial-era reservoir situated beneath the terraced gardens on Malabar Hill. "The plan is to demolish and reconstruct the reservoir over a period of seven years," announced Additional Municipal Commissioner (projects) P Velrasu. Officials have confirmed that the extensive renovation will necessitate the dismantling of the entire landscaped area and the relocation of approximately 350 trees to an adjacent site.

 

This initiative follows a 2017 structural audit that revealed the deteriorating condition of the reservoir's roof and supporting columns, both of which are integral to the Hanging Gardens' structure. Velrasu emphasized the potential hazards, stating, "Collapse of the roof and the supporting columns is a real threat. Water supply to the whole of south Mumbai will be affected."

While the necessity to bolster the water supply for Mumbai's burgeoning population is evident, the Rs 695-crore plan has not been without its detractors. The reservoir, which currently has a holding capacity of 147 million liters, is set to increase its capacity to 191 million litres following 2022 approval from the BMC's standing committee. With south Mumbai's population far exceeding the reservoir's original design capacity and with the rise of skyscrapers altering the city's skyline, the need for augmented supply capacity is pressing.

However, the environmental implications of the project have sparked significant concern among local residents. Notices indicating the cutting and transplantation of trees have been posted in the garden's vicinity, leading many to grasp the enormity of the change. Out of the total 365 trees marked, 169 are slated for removal, and 200 are designated for transplantation. The list includes native species like mango, jackfruit, and coconut, many of which have been part of the landscape for decades.

In response to the residents' outcry, Mumbai guardian minister and local MLA MP Lodha has scheduled a public meeting on Tuesday to discuss potential alternatives. He mentioned the potential need for pumping water as an alternative to the gravity-based supply, stating, "If there are alternatives they can be explored. But then instead of using gravity to provide supply to all of south Mumbai, water may have to be pumped up here."

The imminent transformation of this iconic location underscores the delicate balance cities must maintain between preserving their cultural heritage and catering to the evolving needs of a growing population.