BMC Seeks IIT-Roorkee Input on Malabar Hill Reservoir Overhaul

MUMBAI: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has enlisted the expertise of a team from IIT-Roorkee to provide insights into the potential overhaul of the Malabar Hill reservoir.

This move comes in response to conflicting reports submitted by a review committee regarding the necessity of the reservoir’s reconstruction. Following an inspection of the site on Monday, BMC plans to initiate discussions with the experts from IIT-Roorkee on strategies for repairing or reconstructing the reservoir with minimal impact on the surrounding trees.

Although BMC has not specified a deadline for the submission of the report, the proposed reservoir reconstruction plan could potentially affect 389 trees. In response, citizens and NGOs have advocated for alternative solutions to avoid the felling of trees. The IIT-Roorkee team assessed compartments 1 and 2 of the reservoir, which were emptied in phases prior to the inspection. However, the draining of these compartments has resulted in reduced water supply to certain areas within affected wards.

As discussions progress between BMC and the experts from IIT-Roorkee, stakeholders remain hopeful for a resolution that balances the imperative of infrastructure maintenance with environmental preservation. The collaborative effort underscores the importance of leveraging technical expertise to address complex urban challenges while prioritizing sustainability and community interests.